Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

President Tsai Ing-wen departed for three of Taiwan's diplomatic allies in the Pacific—Palau, Nauru, and the Marshall Islands—on the afternoon of March 21. Her departure marked the beginning of an eight-day, seven-night trip themed "Oceans of Democracy." Before boarding the plane, the president delivered remarks, stating that the delegation has three major tasks on this trip: international cooperation, international participation, and to let the world see Taiwan's efforts. She emphasized that as Taiwan's president, it is her duty to do everything possible to keep our government running smoothly, and ensure that our country is progressing along the right path, so that Taiwan can continue to shine on the world stage. 

A translation of the president's remarks follows:

In a moment we will be departing for our allies in the Oceania—Palau, Nauru, and the Marshall Islands. We will also be making a transit stop in Hawaii on our eight-day, seven-night "Oceans of Democracy" state visits.

We have three major tasks on this trip.

Our first task is international cooperation. We share both the ocean and democracy with our Pacific allies, and agriculture, healthcare, and technology are Taiwan's strengths. We can learn more about sustainable development from our diplomatic allies, and they can continue to help support our participation in international organizations and activities.

This brings us to our second task: international participation. On my state visits to Palau and Nauru, I will have the opportunity to gain a first-hand understanding of their efforts and contributions to global sustainable development, experiences which can serve as a reference for Taiwan's own efforts.

I was also invited to address this year's Pacific Women Leaders' Coalition Conference hosted by the Marshall Islands, where I will have the chance to discuss issues with Pacific leaders in attendance.

Our third task is to let the world see Taiwan's efforts. I want my fellow citizens to know that even in the farthest reaches of the Pacific, our diplomats, technicians, medical personnel, businesspeople, and Taiwanese working in other sectors, are working hard and giving of themselves.

Presidential campaign activities will begin this year, and many people are thinking about future political developments. However, I'm more than just a candidate; I'm Taiwan's president. As president, it is my duty to keep our government running smoothly, and ensure that our country is progressing along the right path, so that Taiwan can continue to shine on the world stage. And I am going to give it my all.  

Among those at the airport to see President Tsai off were Secretary-General to the President Chen Chu (陳菊), Minister Wu Hsin-hsing (吳新興) of the Overseas Community Affairs Council, National Security Bureau Director-General Peng Sheng-Chu (彭勝竹), National Security Council Deputy Secretary-General York Chen (陳文政), Deputy Foreign Minister Hsu Szu-chien (徐斯儉), and Nicaraguan Ambassador William Manuel Tapia Aleman (head of the foreign diplomatic corps in Taiwan).