Exclusive: Palau seeks more U.S. patrols of its waters after Chinese incursions

TOKYO, June 15 (Reuters) – The Pacific island nation of Palau has asked the United States to step up patrols of its waters after several incursions by Chinese vessels into its exclusive economic zone, President Surangel Whipps Jr. told Reuters in an interview. Whipps Jr. said he would also welcome a bigger U.S. military presence in the country, with troops stationed alongside existing coastguard and civil action teams, as Washington and Beijing vie for influence in the strategic region. “No matter what, we’re going to be in the centre of whatever’s happening, so it’s important that we’re protected,” Whipps Jr….