Remaining allies urged to ‘stand tall’

WASHINGTON - The US and its allies need to “double down” in light of two countries switching recognition from Taiwan to China, a US Army senior commander in the Pacific says.

Last month, Solomon Islands and Kiribati switched diplomatic recognition despite US efforts to dissuade them.

Speaking in Palau, Major General Pete Johnson said while every country had a right to make its own decisions, he was hopeful Taiwan’s remaining allies would stay with it.

“You know if anything, we need to double down. We need to continue to invest and show the benefits of the like-minded nations across this region that should seek to a different environment than I think what’s being promised. We’re hopeful that countries like the Republic of Palau continue to stand tall.”