Palau may seek US air defense after China missile test: President Whipps

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - Palau may seek a US air defense system following China’s recent intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test, according to reelected President Surangel Whipps Jr.

“We have also the power to request additional (defense support) if we feel there's a threat,” Whipps told Tokyo-based Kyodo News.

His remarks followed China’s September ICBM test, marking its first public launch in 44 years.

Indicating that he may request a Patriot missile defense system from the US, Whipps said that the ICBM flew through Palauan airspace “without informing us.”

Under the Compact of Free Association pact, the US provides funding and has military access to Palau.

Whipps, 56, was reelected as president for another four years after the Pacific Island nation’s Nov. 5 polls. He secured 5,626 votes, defeating his brother-in-law, Tommy Remengesau, who received 4,103 votes.

Whipps stated that Washington bears responsibility for defending Palau, a nation of around 18,000 people.

According to the report, the US plans to install defense radars in Palau’s Angaur and Ngaraard states and to expand a seaport in Koror.

On relations with Taiwan, which China considers a “breakaway province,” Whipps said Palau should maintain diplomatic ties with Taiwan “because it’s built on mutual respect, rule of law and really, democracy and freedom … which is something we should all promote.”

Palau is one of Taiwan’s 12 diplomatic allies. Taiwan has insisted on its independence since 1949.

Both Palau and Taiwan are exploring models to deepen cooperation with Washington as Donald Trump returns to the White House for a non-consecutive second term.