Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

On the afternoon of November 30, President Lai Ching-te delivered remarks before embarking on a seven-day, six-night visit to Pacific allies the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and the Republic of Palau under the theme “Smart and Sustainable Development for a Prosperous Austronesian Region.” In his remarks, the president stated that he hopes to promote core objectives in the three major areas of smart sustainability, sustainable democracy, and sustainable diplomatic ties. He said that based on the values of democracy, peace, and prosperity, we will continue to expand cooperation and deepen our partnerships so that the world can see that Taiwan is not only a model democracy, but also a key force for promoting global peace, stability, prosperity, and development.A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:I am about to lead a delegation on a seven-day, six-night visit to our allies theMarshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palauunder the theme “Smart and Sustainable Development for a Prosperous Austronesian Region.” We will be transiting through Hawaii and Guam, and I want to thank the government of the United States for providing assistance based on the principles of safety, dignity, comfort, and convenience so that this trip may go smoothly.In May this year, President Hilda C. Heine of the Marshall Islands, Prime Minister Feleti Teo of Tuvalu, and President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. of Palau all led delegations to Taiwan to participate in the inauguration ceremony for me and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao. Last month, Prime Minister Teo visited once again as chief guest for the National Day celebrations. We all share profound bonds, and our allies have all supported Taiwan through concrete actions. Therefore, for my first trip abroad after taking office, I will be visiting these three Pacific allies to promote core sustainability objectives in three major areas.The first area is smart sustainability. The world is changing fast, with Taiwan and our allies facing challenges including climate change, net-zero transition, the smart technology era, and digital transformation. Taiwan must actively engage with the world, and closely cooperate with allies to establish resilient response systems so that all of us can develop sustainably.The second area is sustainable democracy. These three allies all share Austronesian culture and close kinships with Taiwan, not only providing mutual support during the pandemic, but also supporting Taiwan’s international participation at numerous international venues. These three allies also share democratic values with Taiwan. Through this trip, I hope to show the world that we, together with these enthusiastic Pacific Island countries, are upholding democratic values and will continue to cooperate going forward on that path.The third area is sustainable diplomatic ties. This year, Taiwan celebrated 26 years of diplomatic ties with the Marshall Islands, 45 years with Tuvalu, and 25 years with Palau, and on behalf of the people of Taiwan, I want to express my sincerest congratulations. Through on-site visits and dialogue, I look forward to discovering more opportunities for cooperation and both deepening and elevating our diplomaticrelationswith all three allies.This trip marks a new era in values-based diplomacy. The people of Taiwan aspire to democracy, peace, and prosperity, and as president, these are the values I must actively promote. Based on the values of democracy, peace, and prosperity and working together with our allies, we will continue to expand cooperation and deepen our partnerships so that the world can see that Taiwan is not only a model democracy, but also a key force for promoting global peace, stability, prosperity, and development.In the coming days, I will share experiences from my visit on social media platforms. I invite all my fellow citizens to join me on this journey, be part of our diplomatic efforts, and help Taiwan engage with the world. Let us start this journey together.Among those at the airport to see President Lai off were Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador Andrea Clare Bowman, Palau Ambassador David Adams Orrukem, and Tuvaluan Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Silafaga Lalua O’Brien.

While transiting in Hawaii before state visits to the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and the Republic of Palau, President Lai Ching-te held a discussion with scholars and experts at the invitation of think tank the East-West Center on the afternoon of December 1 local time (morning of December 2 Taipei time).In remarks during a closed-door discussion, President Lai thanked East-West Center President Suzanne Vares-Lum for arranging the discussion, and expressed gratitude to the center for long promoting mutual understanding between the United States and the people of Asia and the Pacific. He also thanked the center for partnering with Taiwan on the Pacific Islands Leadership Program, which has nurtured over 200 future leaders from across the Pacific. The president said that programs like this highlight our shared dedication to fostering peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.President Lai also thanked the US for its longstanding support under the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances, which continuously strengthens the Taiwan-US partnership. He said that the first agreement under the Taiwan-U.S. Initiative on 21st-Century Trade opens new opportunities for cooperation while addressing challenges such as economic coercion, supply chain resilience, and double taxation.In the closed-door discussion, President Lai delivered remarks in English titled “A Future of Shared Prosperity: Taiwan as a Partner for Peace and Prosperity in the Indo-Pacific Region,” in which he emphasized the following three actions Taiwan is taking in regard to the Indo-Pacific and the world at large:First, Taiwan is implementing the Four Pillars of Peace action plan, which involves strengthening self-defense, enhancing economic security, deepening democratic ties, and engaging in dialogue. Taiwan is committed to strengthening national defense and building up whole-of-society defense resilience, with the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee already having been established at the Office of the President. Taiwan-US cooperation in recent years has demonstrated Taiwan’s commitment to its security, as well as the shared commitment of Taiwan and the US to peace in the Indo-Pacific region.Second, Taiwan actively contributes to global supply chains, especially in the semiconductor and other high-tech industries. The Taiwan-US partnership not only strengthens these industries, but also shows Taiwan’s strategic importance as a trustworthy, reliable partner. Taiwan also actively cooperates with like-minded nations, fully demonstrating how we leverage our expertise to contribute to global development.Third, Taiwan is actively committed to ensuring peace, stability, and prosperity in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region. Taiwan continues to fulfill its commitments through transparent collaborations in public health, agriculture, fishery, livestock, and climate transformation, advancing close and friendly relations with our Pacific allies to achieve the three goals of smart sustainability, democratic sustainability, and diplomatic sustainability. In addition, Taiwan will continue to strengthen self-defense capabilities and work closely with like-minded nations to uphold our shared belief in peace through strength, defending the universal values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.Attendees also included former East-West Center President Richard R. Vuylsteke and former American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Chairman James Moriarty. Among those who attended the afternoon’s itinerary was AIT Managing Director Ingrid Larson.

President Lai Ching-te departed from Hawaii while en route for state visits to the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and the Republic of Palau. After a five-hour flight, his delegation arrived at the Amata Kabua International Airport at noon on December 3 local time (morning of December 3 Taipei time).President Lai was welcomed to the Marshall Islands on the plane by Ambassador to the Marshall Islands Steve C.C. Hsia (夏季昌) and the Marshallese chief of protocol Handelene Maddison, and after alighting from the plane was greeted by President Hilda C. Heine and her husband. After accepting a lei, President Lai walked down the red carpet with President Heine to wave greetings to the Marshallese students and members of our overseas community in attendance amidst a lively and joyous atmosphere.President Lai then proceeded to the airport VIP lounge, where he exchanged greetings with President Heine, her husband, and Marshallese government officials. In his remarks, President Lai first greeted everyone present with the Marshallese phrase Iakwe, aolep. Noting that the Marshall Islands is the first diplomatic ally he is visiting since taking office, he expressed gratitude to President Heine and her husband, friends from all sectors of the Marshall Islands, and fellow Taiwanese, for greeting him and his delegation at the airport.Mentioning what President Heine had said, that visitors bring rain and also good blessings to the Marshallese people, President Lai remarked that we have a saying in Mandarin which means that good fortune comes with the rain. He then thanked the heavens for the safe landing amidst the rainy weather.President Lai pointed out that Taiwan and the Marshall Islands share a traditional Austronesian culture, as well as the values of freedom and democracy, adding that we can consider ourselves family, or good, like-minded partners. Over many years of mutual support, he said, we have provided each other the greatest possible backing. He said he is very much looking forward to observing firsthand the cooperative projects that we are implementing or have recently completed, emphasizing that together, we are creating a brighter future for both of our peoples.In closing, President Lai once again thanked everyone for their warm welcome, using the Marshallese phrase Kommol tata. He then expressed hope that through our joint efforts, we can create even more opportunities for collaboration to advance the development of our two nations.Those who greeted President Lai at the airport were Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kalani Kaneko, Acting Mayor of Majuro Randy Jack, and Ambassador of the Marshall Islands to Taiwan Anjanette Kattil.

On the morning of December 4 local time (early morning of December 4 Taipei time), President Lai Ching-te arrived at Funafuti International Airport in Tuvalu after a flight time of two hours, following the conclusion of his itinerary in the Republic of the Marshall Islands on a series of state visits to Taiwan’s Pacific allies.President Lai was welcomed to Tuvalu on the plane by Ambassador to Tuvalu Lin Tung-heng (林東亨) and Tuvaluan protocol officer Oilau Paeniu, and after alighting from the plane was greeted by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Labour and Trade Paulson Panapa and Police Commissioner Piliota Viliamu, who accompanied the president along a traditional coconut-frond mat to a dais, where he was personally welcomed by Governor-General Tofiga Vaevalu Falani. Together, they reviewed a police honor guard from the dais, and after a salute, proceeded into a pavilion, where the president was greeted at the entrance by Prime Minister Feleti Penitala Teo and presented with a floral garland. The president was then warmly welcomed with a performance of Tuvaluan traditional dance, following which he sprinkled perfumed water on the performers, an act of affirmation and praise in Tuvaluan culture.A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:It is a pleasure to lead a delegation to Tuvalu today. I wish to thank the government and Parliament of Tuvalu for the ceremonious welcome and to convey heartfelt greetings from the people of Taiwan. I hope that moving ahead, we can enhance our bonds and cooperate even closer to benefit both our peoples. I also very much look forward to conversing with Governor-General Falani, Prime Minister Teo, and members of parliament on topics including our cooperative projects and climate change response. I hope that the more progress our nations make, the more happiness our peoples will enjoy.When I looked down from the plane just moments ago, the atolls of Tuvalu looked like pearls strung together into a necklace. The scenery was indeed beautiful. When I disembarked and saw Tuvaluan students waving the national flags of our two countries, I strongly felt the people’s support for our diplomatic alliance. And the grand welcome our delegation received from the honor guard, which represents our deep friendship, greatly warmed our hearts.This year, Prime Minister Teo and Speaker of Parliament Iakoba Taeia Italeli led delegations to Taiwan, underscoring the profound ties between our countries. On this visit, I hope Taiwan and Tuvalu can expand our partnership to even more areas, further strengthening our diplomatic alliance.In closing, I again thank Governor-General Falani, Prime Minister Teo, Speaker Italeli, and all our friends for their hospitality. Let us work together to contribute even more to the prosperity and advancement of our two nations.Those who attended the welcome ceremony included Governor-General Falani, Prime Minister Teo, Speaker Italeli, and their spouses, as well as cabinet members and officials from various ministries and departments.

On the morning of December 5 local time (earlier in the morning of December 5 Taipei time), President Lai Ching-te attended a morning tea reception hosted by Governor of Guam Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero. In remarks, President Lai pointed out that Taiwan and Guam have close ties in areas including people-to-people exchanges and medical cooperation; that we share the values of freedom and democracy; and that we share broad Austronesian roots. He expressed hope that we can continue strengthening cooperation and work together to safeguard democracy, peace, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region so as to create even greater well-being for both peoples.A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:Hafa Adai (“Hello” in Guam’s native Chamorro language). Today, I am deeply honored to be invited to the governor’s house for morning tea. I hope that this gathering will give us a lot of energy for deepening our bilateral cooperation.I truly appreciate Governor Leon Guerrero welcoming my delegation at the airport yesterday and inviting me to tea this morning. This fully demonstrates the government of Guam’s support for and long-term friendship with Taiwan. I believe that exchanges between Taiwan and Guam are sure to grow even closer. Just last week, Taiwan’s China Airlines began resuming direct flights to Guam. United Airlines also announced that it will launch a route between Taipei and Guam in April next year. And other airlines in Taiwan are also working on commencing direct flights.At present, several Taiwanese hospitals provide referral services so that patients in Guam can be transferred to Taiwan. Both the governor and I have backgrounds in medicine. I hope that moving forward, Taiwan and Guam can enjoy even closer cooperation in public health and medical services. In addition, there is much more room for bilateral cooperation in the fields of aquaculture, hydroculture, construction and engineering, and alternative energy. Talent cultivation is also extremely important, and so moving forward, I hope to further cooperation in education and culture.I want to take this opportunity to extend special thanks to Governor Leon Guerrero for her contributions to bilateral relations between Taiwan and Guam. She has helped us reopen the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Guam and promoted the signing of sister city agreements between Guam and Taoyuan City and Taichung City.Taiwan and Guam share the values of freedom and democracy. Recent studies and archaeological research have also confirmed that the Chamorro people of Guam and indigenous peoples of Taiwan share broad Austronesian roots, bringing us even closer to each other. Taiwan and Guam are like a family, and we are also like-minded partners. In the face of expanding authoritarianism, all like-minded countries and areas must unite and work together to safeguard democracy, peace, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.Both facing the threat of expanding authoritarianism, Taiwan and Guam must stand closer together and contribute more to the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific. In the past, with the support of Governor Leon Guerrero and the Guam Legislature, Taiwan and Guam have stood shoulder to shoulder in striving to protect shared values. In the years ahead, I look forward to us continuing to strengthen cooperation in many areas, so as to create even greater well-being for both peoples.In remarks delivered earlier in the reception, Governor Leon Guerrero stated that the bilateral relationship between Taiwan and Guam is built on shared values, including respect for the traditional family and community, and preservation of cultural heritage. As we face the challenges of a dynamic global economy, the Taiwan-Guam partnership is more crucial than ever, she said, and Taiwan’s investments in Guam, for example, have significantly contributed to Guam’s economic growth. The governor also noted that both countries also face many of the same global challenges such as climate change and public health issues that require us to work together to secure a sustainable future for the Indo-Pacific region.Governor Leon Guerrero remarked that the resumption of direct flights between Taiwan and Guam does more than carry travelers; it also carries more opportunities for business and cultural exchange. She also said she believes that cooperation in areas including technology, healthcare, and sustainable development can yield even more benefits for both sides.Governor Leon Guerrero stated that President Lai’s trip is a testament to the enduring friendship between Taiwan and Guam, and on behalf of the people of Guam, she extended her deepest gratitude to President Lai for his dedication to our shared vision. She said she looks forward to together navigating the challenges ahead, deepening cultural and economic ties, and building a future defined by resilience, prosperity, and mutual respect.Among those in attendance were First Gentleman Jeffrey A. Cook, Chief of Staff Jon Calvo, and American Institute in Taiwan Managing Director Ingrid Larson.

On the morning of December 6 local time (morning of December 6 Taipei time), President Lai Ching-te attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the One Stop Shop Building, a consolidated government service center, in the Republic of Palau as part of his itinerary for state visits to the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau. In remarks, President Lai expressed hope that people coming to the One Stop Shop Building will have access to more streamlined and higher quality services, as well as appreciate the friendship between Taiwan and Palau and enjoy the results of cooperation between our countries.Upon his arrival, President Lai first heard Director of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and Industries’ Bureau of Public Works Brian Melairei introduce the building’s construction. The president then delivered remarks.A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:It is my great pleasure to represent the people of Taiwan and stand alongside representatives from all sectors of Palau to witness together this important event for Palauan public services – the opening ceremony of the One Stop Shop Building. This new facility means that the Palauan government will be able to offer even better services to the public. It is also a demonstration of the deep friendship between Taiwan and Palau.During construction, the COVID-19 pandemic broke out. The project was further hit by labor and building material shortages. The fact that the center has now been completed shows how Taiwan and Palau jointly overcame a global outbreak of disease and were resilient to economic hardship. The project is a model of successful bilateral cooperation. I hope that people coming here will have access to more streamlined and higher quality services. While they are in the building, I also hope they will appreciate the friendship between Taiwan and Palau and enjoy the results of cooperation between our countries.Over the past 25 years, through typhoons, pandemics, and geopolitical changes, Taiwan and Palau have risen to all challenges together. Looking ahead, our two nations will continue to closely collaborate across a range of areas to address climate change, advance digital transformation, and counter expanding authoritarianism. Our rock-solid diplomatic alliance will only go from strength to strength. I wish the One Stop Shop Building smooth and successful operations.Following his remarks, President Lai, along with President of Palau Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍), and Palauan Minister of State Gustav Aitaro, cut the ribbon for the One Stop Shop Building. Then, together with the distinguished guests present, the president unveiled an indigenous wood carving as a gift from Taiwan to mark the opening of the building.Also in attendance at the event were First Lady Valerie Whipps, Minister of Finance Kaleb Udui Jr., Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl, Minister of Health and Human Services Gaafar Uherbelau, Minister of Education Dale Jenkins, and Paramount High Chief Reklai Raphael B. Ngirmang.