Taiwan's foreign ministry has firmly rejected a Solomon Islands newspaper report claiming Taiwan handed cash to Palau politicians, calling it false and a deliberate smear — a negative story for Taiwan's standing among its remaining Pacific allies.

• The Solomon Star reported that Taiwan gave cash to Palau's former president and several lawmakers to keep the diplomatic relationship alive.
• The report landed while Taiwan's foreign minister Lin Chia-lung was visiting Palau.
• Taipei says the claim is completely untrue and accuses the paper of trying to paint Taiwan as buying diplomatic recognition with aid.
• Taiwan says its aid to Palau and other allies funds agreed projects run through both governments' normal procedures, the same way other friendly countries work in the Pacific.
• Taipei points to clean energy, health, and infrastructure work, plus encouraging Taiwanese firms to invest in allied countries.

Outlook: Expect more pressure on Taiwan's shrinking circle of Pacific allies, with the Solomon Islands — which switched recognition to Beijing — a likely source of further hostile coverage.