Around the Pacific
Palau Senate says ‘ No !’ Amid heightened tensions , lawmakers nix missile deployment
Koror--The Pacific region has become a stage for escalating tensions , with the Palau Senate ’ s recent decision to reject the deployment of missile batteries on its territory serving as a stark reminder of the complex security dynamics at play .
Just four days after the conclusion of a biannual bilateral Joint Committee Meeting between the Palau government and the United States , the Senate of the Olbiil Era Kelulau ( Palau National Congress ) passed a resolution opposing the proposed missile installation . This move marks a significant divergence in views on Palau ’ s security strategy , highlighting the concerns of many Palauans about the potential consequences of hosting such a sensitive military asset .
While the Senate joint resolution still requires the approval of the House of Delegates to express the official position of the Olbiil Era Kelulau , it articulated for the first time the concerted views of lawmakers taking on President Whipps ’ positions on major policy positions .
President Surangel Whipps Jr . has been a strong advocate of missile deployment , viewing it as a necessary measure to safeguard Palau against potential threats . However , the Senate ’ s resolution reflects a growing sentiment among Palauans , who are worried that hosting missile batteries could make the country a target for adversaries , exposing it to undue risks . This decision underscores the delicate balance between national security and the potential for unwanted entanglement in regional conflicts .
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The Senate ’ s resolution marks a notable assertion of its role as a check on presidential power in Palau ’ s foreign affairs decisions . It represents the first instance in which lawmakers have publicly challenged President Whipps ’ unilateral decision to invite the deployment of Patriot missiles . This development highlights the evolving political landscape in Palau , where the Senate is increasingly asserting its voice in shaping the country ’ s foreign policy trajectory .
The Joint Committee Meeting , held under the auspices of the Compact of Free Association , is a mechanism for ongoing dialogue between Palau and the United States on security and defense matters . The COFA , which came into force in 1994 , grants the United States the responsibility for defending Palau , while also recognizing Palau ’ s sovereignty and self-determination .
Rear Adm . Gregory Huffman , the U . S . Indo-Pacific Command senior military official for Palau , emphasized the importance of understanding the mutual needs and responsibilities of both countries in ensuring regional security .
“ We are in a period of change and strategic growth in our defense posture in this region ,” Huffman said in a media statement released on Nov . 17 . “ It is crucial that we have a full understanding of our individual and mutual needs as two countries in partnership – so that our military can successfully protect and defend our people and our freedoms as we have promised ,”
However , Palau Senate President Hokkons Baules has expressed concern that a military buildup in Palau would primarily serve U . S . interests rather than Palau ’ s with a military buildup in the country .
“ This is a U . S . interest matter , the Indo-Pacific ,” he said in an earlier statement . “ We senators believe Palau has no enemies . And we believe the U . S . should only step in when there is conflict . This build-up is a U . S . interest , not ours .”
The ongoing construction of the multi-million dollar tactical mobile over-the-horizon radar in Palau has raised eyebrows among some Palauans , who fear it could make the country a target for potential adversaries . President Whipps acknowledged this risk but maintained that the security benefits outweighed the potential drawbacks .
Several live-fire Patriot missile tests have been conducted in Palau . President Whipps said the tests were designed to assess the process of missile deployment from Guam in response to potential threats . At a national leadership meeting , the president said Palau ’ s leaders believed that the three-hour deployment time was too long and senators at the meeting had recommended a permanent installation . However , Senate President Baules said the Senate as a whole has not made that recommendation .
“ Some people say it makes us a target , but I say presence is deterrence ,” Whipps said .
President Whipps has repeatedly urged the U . S . Congress to renew its economic assistance commitment to Palau under the COFA , highlighting the importance of maintaining strong ties between the two nations . He expressed concern about China ’ s increasing economic influence in the region , emphasizing the need for continued U . S . support in safeguarding Palau ’ s sovereignty and economic independence .
Although the Palau National Congress has ratified the Second Compact Review Agreement , which secures $ 890 million in economic assistance for Palau over the next two decades , the U . S . Congress has yet to approve the agreement as part of the overall U . S . federal budget .
The Palau Senate ’ s decision to reject missile deployment underscores the complex security dynamics shaping the Pacific region . While maintaining strong alliances is crucial for Palau ’ s security , the country must also carefully consider the potential consequences of hosting sensitive military assets .
The Senate ’ s resolution reflects the growing concerns of Palauans about the potential for unintended embroilment in regional conflicts and the need to prioritize the country ’ s own security interests . As Palau navigates this evolving geopolitical landscape , finding the right balance between security cooperation and national sovereignty will remain a critical challenge .
Ongerung Kambes Kesolei is the editor Tia Belau and host of Kausisechakl Weekly Talk Show . Send feedback to okkesolei @ gmail . com