Micronesia Sun Bright News from the Deep Pacific
Photo Sources: Office of the President, Republic of Palau
By Christopher Cottrell
July 15, 2026, Palau__Preparing for the coming Pacific Islands Forum in Palau next month, Micronesia Sun sought out President Whipps Jr. for his take on what’s at stake in the region from security to climate to freedom with USA250. Below is the interview.
Micronesia Sun: What do you think of the China missile test?
Whipps. Jr: First of all, I think we need to understand that all those of us who live in the Pacific, experienced WWII. If you know that history, we lived it and we all have a desire to promote peace & prosperity. Now, with that, last year, we the Pacific island leaders signed at the forum in Honiara the Ocean of Peace Declaration with the intent of promoting the concept of peace in the Pacific.
“China once again, sending missile into the heart of the pacific, right near, where the ocean of peace declaration agreement was signed was really a slap on our face. It’s concerning because they sent them without warning, and not letting us know and being not transparent about it. That’s the biggest issue.
“What if you’re waking up the next morning and there’s shrapnel from a missile that crossed over Palau with no explanation? This is why we’re very concerned… it’s the lack of information, the lack of transparency.
“We know that every country has a right to defend themselves, has the right to develop military equipment, but they information also have a responsibility to their neighbors to inform them of their activities and to be transparent.
Micronesia Sun: Will you be attending Micronesia Islands Forum in Pohnpei? If so, what do you hope to see there?
Whipps. Jr: What’s important about that forum is building solidarity and preparing us for the important issues that will be discussed at PIF.
“On a regional level, its transportation, energy crisis, how do we build resilience and these all lead up to what we talk about at PIF. We’re excited about going to MIF but unfortunately it had to be postponed because of the climate crisis.
“Our prayers are with our friends In the CNMI and Guam at this time. A second typhoon in less than three months is really devastation. Our prayers are with those families. But really, this is a wakeup call for all of us and the U.S. on the impacts of natural disasters and the warming of the oceans and the planet.”
Micronesia Sun: There is a”Pre-Cop31” meeting in Fiji any details about that?
Whipps. Jr: In Palau we’re having the Leaders Ascent Dialogue, the purpose of that is to have the leaders representing the Pacific, while in Palau, come up with a joint declaration heading to the pre-COP so our positions are unified and focused on what we want to be delivered at COP.
“As you know, we had hoped Australia would host COP and that it would be a Pacific COP and that didn’t happen. However, the opportunity to have a pre-COP in the pacific allows the focus to be brought to the Pacific. So having PIF before the Pre-COP gives us an opportunity to unite, along with our partners who will be here in Palau, and bring a unified position and bring that to Pre-COP which will be then be carried to COP in Türkiye so we can have real action that the people of the Pacific have been hoping would actually take place in COP.
“As you know, most of the times at COP there’s a lot of talk but very little action. Adding to this, I wanted to discuss the issues that we believe are important to discuss at Leaders Ascent Dialogue. There are three main issues:
- One is the 100% renewable Pacific. And what we talk about there is we want investment we want partnership in helping develop and being the first region in the world to be 100% renewable. We know it’s possible, the economics are there that’s why we need partnership from our partners.
- We need partnership in ocean protection and also ocean production, to develop food security and at the same time, build resilient economies and 100% sustainable ocean management. So we need investment in the Unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity.
- And we always talk about failure in finance, so the Pacific got together and said we need a better way to get finance for adaptation and resilience. We need partnerships and investment in Pacific Resilience Facility.
“So, one of the things that we want to see at this Leaders Ascent, is we want to see countries commit. Not only at the LAD, but we go to pre-COP in Fiji, we want to see that investment come through. And we want to see that when we go to COP in Turkey.”
Micronesia Sun: What are some of the best things about investing in Palau leading to Pacific Islands Forum?
Whipps Jr.: When it comes to private sector, we also want to see the same thing. So about building economies, we want private sector investment, helping us in develop fisheries, helping us to develop tourism, and looking at other economic opportunities that are out there.
“Well, we have fiber optic cable, for example, the strings along across the Pacific. The development of AI, data centers, what other opportunities are out there that we can leverage, and we can partner together on as the Blue Pacific. So, we’re looking forward to a pit as an opportunity for a private and public investment. And hopefully that can carry on to COP and beyond.
Micronesia Sun: What are your thoughts or message for USA 250?”
“For 250 years, America has stood as a beacon of freedom. Palau knows this story well — our shores once bore witness to the price of that freedom during World War II, and today our people continue to serve side by side with yours in uniform. On this milestone, Palau celebrates not just America’s journey, but the partnership we’ve built together in defense of liberty across the Pacific and the world.
“You know, my father joined the U.S. Army as a medic back in the 1960s. That’s not just history for me — that’s family. And it’s the same story for so many Palauan families. We’ve fought together, we’ve served together, and today, on America’s 250th birthday, I want the American people to know: Palau hasn’t forgotten. We remember what happened on our beaches during World War II, and we remember who stood with us. That partnership isn’t something we take for granted. Happy 250th, America — from your friends in the Pacific.
“Palau and the United States are bound not by proximity, but by purpose. As America marks 250 years, we honor a partnership rooted in shared values — democracy, the rule of law, and the belief that peace is best secured through strength and presence, not silence. Happy 250th birthday, America. Palau is proud to stand with you.
“People ask me why a small island nation like Palau cares so much about what happens in Washington. I tell them — it’s simple. We believe in the same things. Freedom. Democracy. The rule of law. And we believe peace comes through strength, and presence is deterrence. That’s not a slogan for us, that’s how we live, out here in the Pacific, every single day. So as America turns 250, I just want to say — thank you for being a partner who shows up. Palau will keep showing up too.”
