Palau’s Pro-U.S. President Secures Second Term, Overcomes Brother-in-law in Election

Surangel Whipps Jr. has been re-elected for a second term as president of Palau after winning 5,626 votes in a national election, beating his brother-in-law Tommy Remengesau who received 4,103 votes. Palau is a key ally of the United States and Taiwan, and its importance to the U.S. military amid tensions with China was highlighted during the election on Nov. 5. Whipps Jr. stated that his government will focus on diversifying Palau’s economy while protecting its natural resources, including its ocean and forests. Palau recently renewed a Compact of Free Association with the U.S., which will provide $890 million in economic assistance over 20 years in exchange for continued military access to its territory. The small island nation’s population of 18,000 is located between the Philippines and the U.S. military base on Guam. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Taiwan President Lai Ching-te both congratulated Whipps Jr. on his re-election, expressing their commitment to working together for a peaceful and prosperous Pacific region. Albanese emphasized the importance of continuing to collaborate as friends and partners, while Lai mentioned plans for increased cooperation in tourism and infrastructure development with Palau.

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