China urges Palau to respect sovereignty

China has called on Palau and a handful of other countries that maintain so-called diplomatic relations with the Taiwan region to make the right decisions and end the relations as soon as possible.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning made the remark on Monday, after Palau's President Surangel Whipps Jr, who is also a candidate for the country's election, reportedly said Palau is under increasing pressure from China to sever ties with Taiwan.

Noting that 183 countries have established diplomatic ties with China based on the one-China principle, Mao said the prevailing historical trend of endorsing the principle is unstoppable.