Japan, Palau agree to further special ties in Indo-Pacific

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, right, shakes hands with Palau President Surangel Whipps before their talks in Tokyo on Feb. 12, 2025

The leaders of Japan and Palau agreed on Wednesday to deepen bilateral cooperation building on their amicable ties that they see as “special,” as the two countries aim to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba told visiting Palau President Surangel Whipps during their meeting that Japan will continue to help the Pacific island nation achieve sustainable growth, expressing hope for an increase in Japanese tourists to Palau, the Japanese government said.

Ishiba described Palau as a “geographically, historically and strategically important partner” as he underscored the importance of deeper bilateral ties.

He vowed Japan’s support for the development of a fishing port in Palau to make its fishing industry sustainable, and appreciated the Pacific island nation’s understanding of Japan’s discharge of treated waters from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, the government said.

Whipps, who is on his first visit to Japan since his second term as president began in January, was quoted as telling Ishiba that he wants to build on the already robust relationship of trust between the two nations.

Palau is among the three Pacific island nations that have diplomatic relations with Taiwan, which China sees as a renegade province that must be reunified with the mainland by force if necessary.

China’s growing assertiveness has become a source of concern in the Indo-Pacific region.