President Surangel Whipps urges Pacific island nations to cooperate against crime
President Surangel Whipps Jr. of Palau says his country is awash in illicit drugs brought in by Chinese nationals, contributing to overcrowding in the Pacific island country's sole jail. (Source photos by Sophie Mak)
SOPHIE MAK
October 13, 2026 09:39 JST
KOROR, Palau -- Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. claims the Pacific island nation of just 18,000 people is under assault from an influx of illegal drugs that threaten governmental and social stability. The culprits, he says, are Chinese nationals.