Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. says that Beijing has repeatedly offered economic incentives to persuade Palau to shift its diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing, but such diplomatic decisions are a matter of national sovereignty and should not be dictated by major powers. That came in an interview Whipps gave to Japan’s Kyodo News on Tuesday, June 2. Whipps is visiting Japan to attend the Island States Ocean Summit, which began on Wednesday.

Whipps said during the interview that China has no right to tell Palau not to recognize Taiwan and that it is the country’s sovereign choice. Palau has maintained diplomatic relations with Taiwan since 1999.

Whipps also accused Chinese vessels of conducting unauthorized survey activities within Palau’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). He said Palauan authorities had obtained evidence of equipment deployed in its waters. Whipps added that these actions reflect China’s general attitude toward small island nations and their maritime rights. He recalled being told by a Chinese ambassador that a small country like Palau should not have such vast oceans. Whipps said that these activities not only violate international law but also undermine the sustainable management of marine resources.