The President of Palau, Surangel Whipps Jr., has accused China of using tourism as a means to manipulate the politics of his island. Whipps made these remarks following discussions about a cyberattack from China and his refusal to sever ties with Taiwan. Over the past few years, China has exerted pressure on several Pacific island nations. In 2022, China proposed a collaboration with ten countries in the region, but all declined. It appears that China is employing tourism as a tool to apply pressure on these islands. During Whipps’ presidential campaign in 2020, a Chinese ambassador suggested that they could send one million tourists to Palau if he changed his stance on China and Taiwan.
Whipps expressed his concerns about China’s actions during a virtual meeting at the Aspen Security Forum on August 3. He highlighted how Palau and other Pacific islands are being coerced by China due to their friendship with Taiwan. The President also mentioned a cyberattack on Palau’s government websites that occurred after he voiced support for Taiwan. According to Whipps, “We’re going through what Taiwan goes through… They have bullied us and they will scare smaller countries.”
Whipps’ statements shed light on how China is attempting to exert control over the Pacific islands which are vulnerable due to their small size and reliance on tourism for economic stability. Other Pacific nations have faced similar experiences. In recent years, there has been a decline in Chinese tourists visiting Palau, negatively impacting its economy and making it more challenging for these countries to sustain themselves.
Experts support Whipps’ claims regarding Chinese tactics in the region. Richard Turere, a cybersecurity expert at the University of Cambridge, stated that China is utilizing tourism as a political weapon. Jonathan Pryke, director of the Pacific Islands Program at the Lowy Institute concurred by stating that powerful nations are engaging in fierce competition within the Pacific islands arena specifically targeting those aligned with Taiwan