China denies using tourism as weapon against Palau over cross-strait relations

China has accused Palau President Soulanger Whipps of deliberately distorting its recent travel warning in an attempt to exploit tourism as retaliation for Palau’s establishment of diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

The Chinese People’s Daily Online reported the allegation and said the warning was in response to “security-related” incidents involving Chinese citizens in Palau in recent years.

Incidents of concern included the abduction of a Chinese man in broad daylight, the disappearance of a Chinese woman and the discovery of the charred remains of a young Chinese man in a forest area between Melekeok and Nchesar.

The China Daily article said the warning was a “natural response to the increase in public safety cases in Palau,” including disputes and incidents that affect the safety of Chinese tourists. The article stressed that issuing travel safety warnings is an internationally accepted practice aimed at raising citizens’ awareness of the risks of traveling abroad.

In a recent interview with Te Ao Maori News, President Whipps claimed that China was pressuring Palau because of its relationship with Taiwan. He pointed to China’s actions such as blocking Palau from attending the Pacific Asia Travel Association conference in Macau and labeling Palau as an unsafe tourist destination as evidence of China’s attempt to weaponize tourism.

The China Daily article responded to Whipps’ remarks, calling them “malicious accusations” intended to smear and defame China.

Whipps has repeatedly stated in local and international media that China is using various means, including tourism, to force Palau to sever ties with Taiwan.

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