Taiwan is making a diplomatic push in the Pacific, a modest but meaningful win for Taipei as it fights to hold onto its shrinking circle of allies.

• Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung left for Palau with officials and business leaders for a week of meetings around the Pacific Islands Forum summit.
• The stated goal is more trade, investment, and tourism between Taiwan and Palau, plus openings with other Pacific nations.
• Palau is Taiwan's closest ally geographically and one of the few countries that still recognizes it, making the trip a signal to Beijing.
• The US, Japan, and Australia are showing off their own Pacific projects at the same event, part of the wider contest with China for influence in the region.

Outlook: Expect more aid and investment offers from both Taipei and Beijing as the fight over Pacific allegiances continues.