Taiwan reinforced ties with its remaining Pacific island allies, a modest diplomatic win at a time when China keeps peeling away Taipei's partners.

• Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung joined the leaders of Palau, the Marshall Islands and Tuvalu in signing a joint statement on Pacific peace and prosperity.
• The three countries are among the small handful of states that still formally recognize Taiwan.
• Taiwan is offering help in climate, ocean protection, health care, farming, education and digital skills — practical aid in exchange for diplomatic loyalty.
• Palau controls a huge stretch of ocean with a tiny landmass, making these islands strategically valuable far beyond their size.
• Taipei also floated working with the United States and Palau on a new national hospital project, tying the aid to a wider Western presence in the region.

Outlook: Expect China to keep courting these same island states with bigger money, so Taiwan will lean harder on aid projects and American backing to hold the line.