Palau: A New Battleground in the Tension Between China and the Western World
In recent years, the Pacific Island nation of Palau has become a focal point in the growing tension between China and the Western world. This once tranquil island nation, with a population of just 18,000 people, has seen an alarming increase in criminal activity with links to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Rising Tension in Palau
2019 and 2020: An Uptick in Criminal Activities
- Hundreds of mostly Chinese citizens detained and deported
- Illegal online gambling dens discovered
The following subsection provides a brief overview of the criminal activities that have been on the rise in Palau, specifically in the years 2019 and 2020.
Detentions and Deportations
Amidst the wave of criminal activities, law enforcement reported the detention and deportation of hundreds of mostly Chinese citizens. These individuals were found to be operating illegal online gambling dens within the country.
Collusion with Criminal Operations
- Longtime Chinese expatriates and Palauan elites implicated
- Former presidents Tommy Remengesau, Jr., and Johnson Toribiong allegedly involved
The illegal online gambling businesses were not isolated incidents, as they appeared to be part of a larger, interconnected network with ties to influence efforts by the CCP. Longtime Chinese expatriates and members of the Palauan elite have reportedly facilitated this Chinese push. Amongst this group are former presidents Tommy Remengesau, Jr., and Johnson Toribiong, who have been alleged to have collusion with these criminal operations.
Concerns Raised Amongst the Locals
The sudden influx of young, mostly Chinese arrivals raised concerns amongst the locals. These individuals preferred to stay secluded, often residing in rundown buildings and only venturing out occasionally for food or sex workers.
Illegal Online Gambling Businesses
- Police discover the real nature of their operations
- Connections to Chinese gangsters and their brusque demeanor
Further investigations by law enforcement soon revealed that these individuals were operating illegal online gambling businesses, targeting customers back in China. The police also identified a connection to the Chinese gangsters previously observed on the streets, who had a brusque demeanor and were distinguishable by their visible tattoos.
Lack of Interest in Local Sights
- Preference for insulation and regular deliveries
- Minimal interest in Palau’s natural wonders
Unlike the average tourist who arrived to admire Palau’s beautiful limestone islands and unspoiled reefs, these newcomers displayed little interest in the local attractions. Instead, they preferred to remain insulated, relying on regular deliveries of provisions to sustain their clandestine activities.
The Challenge Ahead
Preserving Sovereignty and Security in Palau
- Responding to China’s influencereach out for Help
The Chinese infiltration into Palau poses a significant challenge for the country’s law enforcement and political leaders. The question remains whether the local elites, including former presidents, will continue to support the growing criminal influence or take steps to protect their nation’s sovereignty and security. Reach out for help, Palau!