The other November 5 election: China and the US look on as Palau votes

Brothers-in-law face off in a presidential battle over the economy, cost of living and relations with global powersFlanked by a turquoise lagoon, a newly rebuilt US military runway slices through forest in southern Palau. Completed just months ago, the airfield is the latest example of a push by the United States to build its presence in the Pacific as concerns around China’s reach in the region grow.The small Pacific country is one of 12 in the world that has diplomatic ties with Taiwan instead of China and will head to the polls on 5 November, the same day as the US. Continue reading…