Landscape of Palau. Photo: VCG
Palau’s president said it is preparing to leave the Pacific Islands Forum, the region’s premier political and economic policy organization founded in 1971. The 18-member forum is mostly made up of small island states along with Australia and New Zealand. AFP reported Friday that Palau’s quitting threatens the future of a key grouping in a region where China is vying for influence.
Palau has a somewhat special status in the Pacific region. Chinese investors have been behind large building and business projects in Palau, and its tourism industry is closely related to China.Â
Meanwhile, the US is also actively strengthening its ties with Palau. Former US defense secretary Mark Esper visited the nation last…