Taiwan is using a Pacific summit trip to tighten its bond with Palau, one of its few remaining diplomatic allies — a positive step for both sides, and a quiet counter to China's push in the region.

• Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung is in Palau through early September for the Pacific Islands Forum summit.
• His first stop was Palau's national hospital, where Taiwan already runs a medical partnership.
• Taiwan wants to help build Palau's planned new hospital with digital health systems and staff training.
• Business leaders came along on the trip to scout investment and partnership opportunities on the island.
• Palau's president hosted the group, signalling ties are widening from health care into industry.

Outlook: Expect Taiwan to keep pairing aid and business deals to hold on to its shrinking circle of allies as the Pacific summit plays out.