Taipei helping to counter tourism slump after Beijing classes Micronesian nation ‘an illegal tour destination’, says owner of Palau Pacific Airways
Taiwan has stepped in to help its ally Palau attract more tourists after an airline from the Micronesian nation said it was forced to shut under pressure from mainland China.
The island’s battle to protect its few remaining official allies has intensified as its relations with Beijing have deteriorated.
Four former allies of Taiwan have switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing since 2016, with the mainland offering economic incentives to jump ship.
Beijing sees Taiwan as part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary, even though the island views itself as a sovereign nation and is a self-ruling democracy.
Tensions have escalated under Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen since she came to power two years ago, because she has refused to accept both sides are part of “one China”.
Palau has maintained ties with Taiwan but now one of its airlines, Palau Pacific Airways, says it has been forced to suspend operations because of a plunge in mainland Chinese tourists.
A letter from the airline’s Taiwanese owner, Sea Passion Group, to Palau’s national congress accused Beijing of branding Palau “an illegal tour destination”, denting its business.
