US port upgrade in Palau fuels fears of superpower conflict

US plans to rebuild the main port in the Pacific island nation of Palau have stirred memories of World War II and raised concerns among residents about the country being drawn into a potential conflict between major powers.

Palau is set to become the US military’s largest overseas construction site in 2027, with a $500 million project to expand a deteriorating wharf built by Japan during World War II. The project includes deepening the harbor to accommodate US Navy vessels, while other plans involve a military radar station, an expanded airfield for heavy aircraft and a crisis-ready supply stockpile for US Marines, The Japan Times reports.

Palau, home to about 17,000 people, lies roughly 800 kilometres west of the South China Sea. A petition signed by 2,000 residents was submitted to Congress last month, seeking assurances from Washington that the population would be protected if conflict reached the islands.

Palau receives significant US funding under its Compact of Free Association, while allowing the US military access to its territory. Ongerung Kambes Kesolei, founder of the local Congress Point Institute, said the construction marks the first significant US military activity under the agreement.

“With the U.S. military coming in, we are now a target. The role of Palau in the second island chain has become more prominent,” he said.

The port project has also sparked environmental concerns. An assessment found that dredging at nearby Malakal Harbor is expected to destroy 4.26 hectares of coral, potentially affecting endangered turtles, fish and dugongs.

“If we are pounding pilings and dredging coral, I have to imagine they are simply going to leave the neighborhood,” said biologist Ron Leidich, who monitors dugong herds.

Palau President Surangel Whipps said the aging port was “about to collapse” and welcomed the upgrade, saying it could serve both civilian and security needs.

“We can jointly use it for the benefit of the people, but at the same time ensure defense and security,” he said.

Leidich said the prospect of environmental damage amid geopolitical tensions was “sobering.”

By Vafa Guliyeva