Taiwan is sending its top diplomat and a business delegation to Palau, a push to lock in friendships in a region where China has been steadily peeling away allies.

• Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung heads to Palau from August 27 to September 3 for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum summit.
• He will attend the annual Taiwan–Pacific Islands Forum dialogue and a "Pacific Prosperity" exhibition showcasing Taiwan's work on clean energy, digital networks, smart healthcare and climate projects.
• Companies are coming too — energy, tech, food, construction and organic farming firms, plus Taiwanese business groups from across Asia — hunting for deals and investment.
• Lin will meet Palau's president and vice president and tour projects including the national hospital.
• The trip is also about the Indo-Pacific balance: Taiwan is selling itself as a long-term "development partner" to counter Beijing's influence in the islands.

Outlook: Expect announcements on new aid and business tie-ups with Pacific allies, with China pressing in the background to flip more of them.