Palau has sent a new top diplomat to Taipei, a friendly signal for Taiwan as it fights to keep its shrinking circle of allies.

• Gaafar J. Uherbelau presented his credentials in Taipei and pledged to widen ties with Taiwan's government and business world.
• Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung thanked him for repeatedly speaking up for Taiwan at international gatherings, including the World Health Assembly.
• Palau is one of the few countries that still formally recognizes Taiwan instead of China, making the relationship politically valuable to Taipei.
• Both sides talked about deeper cooperation in trade and investment, health care, training workers, tourism, and energy.
• The appointment follows Taiwan's delegation trip to Palau for the Pacific Islands Forum summit, which Palau hosted.

Outlook: Expect Taiwan to lean harder on Palau and other Pacific partners to hold ground against Chinese pressure in the region.