Taipei, Oct. 31 (CNA) Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Thursday condemned China’s reported use of economic pressure in a bid to force Palau into switching diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing, saying it has been a longstanding strategy.
“China has long weaponized tourism to pressure Palau into capitulating on its diplomatic position,” MOFA said in a press release. Taiwan “strongly condemns China for its deliberate and forceful economic coercion of [Taipei’s] allies.”
MOFA did not respond directly to CNA’s question about how the outcome of Palau’s general elections on Nov. 5 might impact its relations with Taiwan, saying only that the bilateral ties have remained “stable and solid” over the past two decades.
Over the…