Surangel Whipps Jr.

In the last installment of our interview series with Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr., KPRG's Naina Rao delves into how China’s growing influence in the region affects the consensus shared between Pacific Island countries. President Whipps also discussed the challenge of balancing traditional values with increasing modernity. But first, what is the COFA funding going to be used for?

In the second part of this series, KPRG sat down with Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. to discuss how and why negotiations for the Compact of Free Association (COFA) agreements took longer than anticipated. The president explained that the delays were needed for Palauans to receive what they deserved.

In an exclusive interview with KPRG, Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. outlines a high-end tourism model that protects the country's environment, how increased militarization can co-exist with Palau's ongoing conservation efforts, and whether the presence of nuclear-powered vessels poses a risk to them.