WHAT DO LOCALS WANT?
Whereas Mr Polycarp mentioned he doesn’t suppose Palau ought to change ties to Beijing only for tourism earnings, he hopes his nation would set up nearer financial ties with China.
“I help each China and Taiwan… I hope sooner or later each can work their variations out, and the US (as effectively),” he added.
“(China) is a big market and I feel Palau can faucet into it. However having these variations actually restrict us from transferring ahead (in) growing our nation.”
His sentiment is shared by different enterprise homeowners, together with 29-year-old Iked, one other native who additionally runs a diving centre.
“From a tourism perspective, we’re open to the Chinese language market, however we’re additionally open to the Taiwan market,” he mentioned.
“Palau has robust ties with Taiwan, and that’s factor. However I don’t suppose we must always discriminate on what sort of tourism we convey into Palau, as a result of Palau is a really worldwide nation.”
“WEAPONISING” TOURISM
China considers nations that also keep official relations with Taiwan as interfering in its inside affairs.
Beijing has dangled guarantees of financial and improvement assist in efforts to entice Taiwan’s remaining diplomatic allies to change sides.
Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr has accused China of financial coercion and “weaponising” tourism to power his nation to chop ties with Taiwan.
