President Johnson Toribiong in an interview is asking Olbiil Era Kelulau to reconsider the resolution earlier introduced by Sen. Hokkons Baules urging the president to establish diplomatic ties with the People’s Republic of China.
Palau is among the nations which has formal diplomatic relationship withTaiwan.
In the proposed joint resolution, Baules stated that the establishment of diplomatic ties between Palau and Mainland China will yield many benefits for the country.
However the president said that it will remain loyal to Taiwan who he considers a “generous friend.”
Baules in his resolution stated that China shares similar concerns as Palau, including concerns on climate change.
Toribiong however countered that by stating that China would not even help developing nations on climate change and would rather address its domestic needs to combat environment issues.
Baules resolution stated that China reportedly ranked first in clean energy investment in 2009 and even participated in the 14th General Assembly of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentarians’ Conference on Environment and Development that was hosted by Palau in the same year.
“The People’s Republic of China, with its economy, the second largest in the world and its membership in the Group of Twenty Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors, can aid in the Republic’s development,” the resolution said.
The resolution further stated that China’s memberships in the United Nations Security Council and the World Trade Organization has international influence that can solidify Palau’s global concerns.
“I will ask OEK to look carefully into the Baules’ resolution,” Toribiong said.
He said Palauan way does not allow friends to be abandoned.
Taiwan has participated in a series of construction and development projects – including in the agriculture, health and tourism sectors – in Palau since the two sides established formal relations in 1999.
