Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

On the afternoon of June 6, Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao delivered remarks before embarking on a five-day, four-night visit to the Republic of Palau titled the “Palau Prosperity Project.” Vice President Hsiao said that during this trip they will continue deepening the diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Palau through meetings with President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. and other key leaders; visit sustainable tourism attractions and help promote Palau’s tourism development; and witness alongside the Palauan government the achievements of Taiwan-Palau cooperation through the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project in the areas of medicine and public health, agriculture and fisheries, and public infrastructure. The vice president expressed hope that the visit will further deepen our nations’ multifaceted cooperation, building on existing foundations as we look to the future.In remarks, the vice president said that today marks the official departure of the Palau Prosperity Project delegation, adding that this is her first visit to a diplomatic ally since assuming the vice presidency. She expressed her profound honor at being entrusted with this mission by President Lai, and that she feels the weight of the responsibility it entails. She stated that on this trip they aim to achieve the following three objectives:The first is to deepen the diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Palau. During the delegation’s time in Palau, the vice president will call on President Whipps and other political leaders. President Whipps has visited Taiwan multiple times since taking office, she noted, demonstrating through concrete action his commitment to our bilateral relationship. In response to President Whipps’ proactive visits, this reciprocal visit is an opportunity to further deepen the friendship between our two nations.The second objective is to assist Palau in promoting sustainable tourism – a priority of the Palauan government – and to showcase the beauty of Palau to more people in Taiwan. She said that the delegation is honored to have been invited by President Whipps to visit Palau’s well-known sustainable tourism attractions in person. The vice president expressed hope that more people in Taiwan will follow in the delegation’s footsteps, discover Palau through travel, and explore its beauty together.The third objective is to jointly witness the achievements of Taiwan-Palau cooperation through the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project. In recent years, the government of Taiwan has collaborated with the government of Palau on the project, helping to advance Palau’s national development. The vice president stated that this trip will allow the delegation to witness firsthand the cooperative achievements our two countries have made in various fields such as medicine and public health, agriculture and fisheries, and public infrastructure.Pointing out that diplomatic work is never easy, the vice president said that she will also visit the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in the Republic of Palau to cheer on and offer encouragement to all the frontline staff stationed there.The vice president stated that it has been over a quarter of a century since the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Palau established diplomatic relations, and the two countries have maintained frequent and close interactions. She expressed hope that this visit will further deepen our nations’ multifaceted cooperation, building on existing foundations as we look to the future. The vice president added that she looks forward to this Palau Prosperity journey, working together so that Taiwan may engage with the world and deepen our bonds with friends in the international community.Among those at the airport to see the vice president off were Acting Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Saint Kitts and Nevis Ambassador Donya L. Francis and Palau Chargé d’Affaires David Adams Orrukem.

On the morning of June 7 local time (morning of the same day Taipei time), during her visit to the Republic of Palau, Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao toured several natural and historical sites, including Peleliu Island and the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage site. She was personally accompanied by Palauan President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., who also piloted the boat.Vice President Hsiao boarded the boat from the dock of the Palau Royal Resort. President Whipps personally piloted the watercraft, allowing her to experience the charm of Palau's ocean tourism. The vice president also briefly took the helm to enjoy navigating the waters.The delegation first headed to view Lover's Bridge, a natural archway formed by years of seawater and wind erosion on the coral rocks. Next, they proceeded to a famous dive site, the Big Drop-off, for a snorkeling experience. There, they viewed coral reefs and diverse marine life up close, experiencing firsthand why Palau is known as “God's aquarium.” President Whipps and Vice President Hsiao also paddled a kayak together, enjoying the fun of being out on the water.Following this, the vice president traveled to Peleliu State, where she responded to questions from the media regarding her tourism experience on this visit. Vice President Hsiao stated that seeing Palau's beauty with her own eyes allowed her to more deeply understand the Palauan people's desire to share this magnificent scenery with more of Taiwan's people. She noted that people from island nations are commonly open-minded and very friendly, and that the peoples of Taiwan and Palau share many similarities. She expressed her gratitude to President Whipps for the special arrangements, adding that sailing on the vast open sea was an incredibly relaxing experience.Commenting on the snorkeling experience, Vice President Hsiao said that Palau's underwater scenery is spectacular. She noted that the richly colored coral reefs and the wide variety of fish left a deep impression on her, and expressed hope that more of Taiwan's citizens will visit Palau to enjoy such an excursion. She also mentioned that President Whipps is highly familiar with the marine environment; whether it was sea turtles hiding in the rocks or sharks resting on the seabed, he was able to quickly spot them and introduce them to everyone. She stated that she felt extremely fortunate to receive such a professional guided tour.The vice president stated that she had previously snorkeled in Kenting and had visited Palau with her family 18 years ago; engaging with the ocean again after many years, she recognized Palau's long-term commitment to marine conservation. She noted that it is only by continuously seeking a balance between tourism development and ecological protection that Palau can ensure visiting tourists truly experience its beauty.Discussing the afternoon itinerary, Vice President Hsiao pointed out that Peleliu was a crucial and fiercely contested battlefield between the United States and Japan during World War II, saying that the conflicts of war from over 80 years ago offer many historical lessons. Today, she said, the US and Japan have become important allies in the Indo-Pacific region, and their cooperative efforts are aimed at promoting regional stability, ensuring that people of all nations can live and work in a peaceful environment.After a luncheon, guided by President Whipps and Peleliu State Governor Emais Roberts, Vice President Hsiao visited the gravesite of former Palauan President Kuniwo Nakamura to lay flowers and pay her respects. She then toured the Peleliu World War II Memorial Museum.Also in attendance at the event were Palauan Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl, Ambassador-designate to Taiwan Gaafar J. Uherbelau, and Japanese Ambassador to Palau Kasahara Kenichi.

On the morning of June 8 local time (morning of the same day Taipei time), Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao traveled to the capital of the Republic of Palau to call on President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. and hold a bilateral meeting. The two leaders exchanged views extensively on mutual cooperation in areas including public infrastructure, medicine and public health, agriculture and fisheries, technology applications, security, and clean energy. Following the meeting, Vice President Hsiao proceeded to Palau's National Congress. There, she thanked Palau for standing firmly with Taiwan and consistently supporting Taiwan's participation in the international community. She also expressed hope that the two nations will continue working together to ensure that future generations inherit a Pacific region that is peaceful, prosperous, democratic, and free.A transcript of Vice President Hsiao's remarks at the National Congress follows:First of all, I'd like to express my sincere gratitude to the Palau National Congress for this gracious invitation. Along with Vice Minister Lin [Ching-yi] (林靜儀) of Taiwan's Ministry of Health and [Welfare] and Vice Minister Ger [Baushuan] (葛葆萱) of Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, our delegation is honored and privileged to join you here today.This is my third day in Palau. And yesterday, I had the pleasure of joining President Whipps in visiting some of Palau's most treasured landmarks, including the German Channel, Shark City, and Peleliu. Having witnessed Palau's extraordinary natural beauty and experienced the warmth and hospitality of its people, I understand why so many Taiwanese visitors feel such a strong connection to this remarkable nation. And I feel just like home here.Now Taiwan and Palau are both proud ocean nations. The sea doesn't separate us; it connects us. For generations, our people have navigated the Pacific, drawing sustenance, culture, and identity from the ocean. And today we continue to share a responsibility to protect our marine environment, strengthen maritime security, and preserve the natural heritage that will sustain future generations.Our relationship is rooted not only in geography, but also in history and shared values. We share Austronesian cultural connections. We are both vibrant democracies. And we are both nations that have demonstrated resilience, determination, and faith in the ability of our citizens to shape their future.Taiwan and Palau have demonstrated that nations of different sizes can make meaningful contributions to the world. We cherish freedom, uphold the rule of law, respect human dignity, and believe firmly that every nation, regardless of size, deserves respect, recognition, and the right to determine its own future.These shared values have brought Taiwan and Palau together for more than a quarter century. Today, I'd like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the National Congress, the government, and the people of Palau for standing firmly with Taiwan, and for consistently supporting Taiwan's meaningful participation in the international community.Palau has been one of Taiwan's strongest and most steadfast voices in important international forums, including the United Nations General Assembly, the World Health Assembly, and the United Nations climate process. Your support has enabled Taiwan to contribute more actively to the global community in areas such as public health, climate action, aviation safety, and the fight against transnational crime.Taiwan deeply values this friendship. We are committed, not only to standing together in international forums, but also to working together to improve the lives of our peoples through practical cooperation in healthcare, education, agriculture, renewable energy, tourism, digital development, and human resource development, including talent cultivation.Taiwan and Palau are bound not only by friendship, but by a shared vision for the future. We both seek sustainable economic growth, greater opportunities for our young people, protected marine resources, secure communities, and resilient societies. Together, we can help ensure that future generations inherit a Pacific region that is peaceful, prosperous, democratic, and free.As our societies become increasingly interconnected, new security challenges also emerge. In addition to the broader geopolitical security challenges, fraud, cybercrimes, drug trafficking, and other forms of transnational crime threaten communities across the Pacific. Taiwan is committed to being a trusted partner in strengthening law enforcement cooperation and safeguarding the security and well-being of our peoples.To further deepen this cooperation, I am honored to announce that Taiwan's Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau is prepared to assign designated personnel to Palau to work closely with the local relevant authorities and jointly address the growing challenges posed by cross-national crime.As island nations on the frontlines of climate change, Taiwan and Palau also share a responsibility to build resilience. Together, we can strengthen disaster preparedness, promote ocean stewardship, protect marine ecosystems, advance sustainable fisheries, and develop resilient and sustainable energy solutions. By sharing experience and working hand in hand, we can help ensure a safer and more sustainable future for our peoples.In December a couple years ago in 2024, Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te stood before this Congress and reaffirmed Taiwan's enduring partnership with Palau. Today, I'm honored to join you and reaffirm that commitment once again.Taiwan will continue to stand side by side with Palau as you have done with us. Together, our two island democracies can continue making meaningful contributions to peace, prosperity, sustainability, and freedom throughout the Pacific.And on that note, I'm happy to share with you a souvenir that we've put on your seats. It's a very small token, but a meaningful one. It's a souvenir of chocolate with wrapping that I personally designed myself, with the help of a combination of ChatGPT and Gemini, not only highlighting the main attractions of our two countries – for Taiwan, our food and bubble tea; for Palau, your beautiful oceans and natural ecosystem – but also adding the theme on the back of the chocolates that Taiwan and Palau are both islands of resilience, and we are stronger together.Now may the profound friendship between Taiwan and Palau continue to flourish, and indeed, we are stronger together.Mesulang (thank you)!Following this, the vice president, along with distinguished guests, proceeded to the National Capitol courtyard to receive a briefing on the drones donated by Taiwan. She and President Whipps then witnessed Vice Minister Ger formally present the drones on Taiwan's behalf, which were accepted by Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl on behalf of Palau. After the ceremony, attendees watched a drone demonstration, showcasing the concrete achievements of Taiwan-Palau cooperation in technology applications.Also in attendance at the event were Palauan Speaker of the House of Delegates Gibson Kanai, Vice President of the Senate Stevenson Kuartei, several members of the National Congress, and Ambassador-designate to Taiwan Gaafar J. Uherbelau.

On the morning of June 9 local time (morning of the same day Taipei time), Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao inspected the implementation of the Malakal Island development plan, after which she visited the Palau National Aquaculture Center and giant clam conservation center.After arriving at Long Island Park, Vice President Hsiao first heard a briefing by CECI Engineering Consultants on their development plan for the park as well as their introduction to Malakal Island. Accompanied by Palau Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl and Governor of Koror State Eyos Rudimch, the vice president then toured Long Island Park to better understand how Taiwan is assisting Palau in developing recreation facilities to be used by local residents and tourists.The vice president and her party then visited the Palau National Aquaculture Center and giant clam conservation center. At the aquaculture center, they inspected the rabbitfish seedling and fish breeding areas, as well as the sea cucumber and milkfish breeding ponds. They also listened to an explanation of the milkfish breeding program by the Taiwan Technical Mission and fed the fish in the milkfish pond. They then walked to the giant clam conservation center, where the Palau Bureau of Fisheries explained the current status of giant clam conservation efforts, and saw firsthand Palau’s achievements in aquaculture aimed at creating sustainable fisheries.Before concluding her itinerary, the vice president also took questions from the media. She stated that one of the tasks of this visit is to understand and witness the results of past bilateral efforts and cooperation. She mentioned that during that day’s visit to Long Island Park they heard the CECI Engineering Consultants team explain the relevant plans. She added that the team will continue to communicate with local residents in the future to ensure that all construction meets the needs of the local community and expressed hope that Palau will attract tourists not only with its marine scenery, but also by constructing facilities on land to create new attractions.The vice president also stated that the Palau National Aquaculture Center and giant clam conservation center are focal points of Taiwan-Palau cooperation. Over the past few years, she said, the Taiwan Technical Mission in Palau has been cultivating edible fish species including milkfish, benefitting local economic development. Since Palau places great importance on marine conservation, promoting the aquaculture industry remains a key developmental direction in terms of edible fish supply. The vice president also mentioned that on the previous day President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. personally explained to her his vision and plans for national development, which include promoting the aquaculture industry. She noted that President Whipps gave the example of milkfish, which he hopes can be used as bait for tuna in addition to being an edible fish species. In the future, she said, professional technical teams from Taiwan will continue to develop an industry model that balances Palau’s ecology and economic needs.Regarding the upcoming visit to the Belau National Hospital, the vice president pointed out that medical cooperation has always been an important area of collaboration between Taiwan and Palau, especially since both countries face labor shortages. She mentioned that Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Lin Ching-yi (林靜儀) has visited Palau many times to understand local medical needs. Over the past few years, she said, thanks to efforts by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Taiwan has continued to assist Palau in introducing new digital medical technologies, building digital infrastructure for telemedicine, and enhancing testing capacities. Whether it is a technical mission or medical team, she emphasized, it is clear that the cooperation between Taiwan and Palau has made tangible contributions to local residents, and it will continue to do so in the future.The vice president said that she believes all Taiwanese take pride in this work, because Taiwan is a force for good in the world. She pointed out that Taiwan, in its foreign diplomacy efforts, uses soft power and technology to assist its allies in achieving sustainable development that meets the needs of local residents while developing together in mutual prosperity, which is also the focus of the Palau Prosperity Project.Asked about the incident on June 8 in which a jeep was swept away by the rapidly rising waters of Fata’an Creek in Hualien, Taiwan, the vice president responded by stating that yesterday she had been monitoring the response to the incident. Fortunately, she said, with the full efforts of the search and rescue teams and the assistance of drones in the search, the trapped site manager has been successfully rescued, and is still receiving treatment in the hospital. She then wished him a speedy recovery.The vice president pointed out that Taiwan has high mountains and swift rivers, and faces various disasters brought on by earthquakes and climate change. The Fata’an Creek barrier lake disaster last year highlighted the challenges posed by climate change and geography, she said, and from the perspective of whole-of-society defense resilience, Taiwan must build rapid disaster prevention, recovery, and relief capacities. The vice president said she also hopes to share the relevant experiences with our allies in the future, as island nations like Palau, she said, likewise face numerous challenges brought on by climate change.The vice president also expressed concern over the gas explosion incident in Hsinchu and the flooding in various parts of Taiwan, stating that these accidents and disasters are heartbreaking. She also expressed gratitude to all the front-line personnel involved in rescue efforts, and emphasized that the disaster prevention capacities of Taiwanese society in dealing with various emergencies has always been an issue of great importance to President Lai Ching-te.Palau Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and the Environment Steven Victor also attended these activities.

On the morning of June 10 local time (morning of the same day Taipei time), Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao held a reception in Palau for the press corps traveling with her delegation. At the reception, the vice president explained the three objectives assigned to her by President Lai Ching-te, including deepening the diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Palau, assisting Palau in promoting tourism, and witnessing the achievements of Taiwan-Palau cooperation through the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project. The vice president also shared the experiences and insights she gained on the trip.The vice president stated that she was deeply honored to be entrusted by President Lai to visit Palau on behalf of the people of Taiwan. She mentioned that during the reception she would be explaining the three objectives assigned to her by President Lai and sharing her experiences and impressions from the trip. The vice president said that during the packed itinerary of the past few days, she also gained many valuable lessons and insights.The vice president pointed out that the first task entrusted to her by President Lai was to “deepen the diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Palau.” During this visit, President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. personally accompanied the delegation to visit the iconic natural and historical sites of Palau. The trip also included exchanges with various sectors of Palau society, including traditional leaders and government officials. Vice President Raynold Oilouch even greeted the delegation at the airport upon their arrival. As Vice President Oilouch also serves as the minister of health and human services, he personally briefed the delegation on the cooperative achievements of Taiwan and Palau in medicine.In addition, the visiting delegation interacted with many local schoolchildren and received a warm welcome at events ranging from the welcoming banquet and baseball activities to various other stops on their itinerary. Overall, this visit touched on a wide range of areas, and good interactions were established with local residents through grassroots activities and joint inspections of Taiwan-Palau cooperative projects.Regarding the second objective, “assisting Palau in promoting tourism,” the vice president stated that tourism is one of Palau's important industries, and Palau also hopes that Taiwan can further assist in promotion. Accompanied and guided by President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., the vice president once again witnessed the beautiful scenery of Palau, and said that over the past few days, she had also continued to communicate with the Palauan side and discuss the travel preferences of Taiwanese tourists.The vice president mentioned that over the past few years, Palau has also been impacted by China's weaponization of tourism, by which it uses the number of tourists as a means of coercion. Sometimes they allow tourists to enter, and other times they restrict or prohibit entry, implementing various forms of control that have caused significant fluctuations in Palau's number of tourists. However, Taiwanese tourists have always loved Palau, and in recent years, more and more travelers from Europe and America have come to visit.The vice president stated that the third objective is to “witness the achievements of the long-term efforts of the Taiwan-Palau diplomatic alliance.” Taking road construction as an example, she said that on Palau's Babeldaob and Peleliu islands, one can see many infrastructure projects for which Taiwan has provided assistance. The flags of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Republic of Palau are visible everywhere, symbolizing the achievements of the joint efforts of both countries. In addition to infrastructure, the delegation also witnessed the efforts and contributions of the Taiwan Technical Mission in Palau, including their professional assistance in agricultural development and engagement in education, language teaching, and information technology. Young people from Taiwan doing alternative national service in Palau are also helping to promote digitalization locally, and their achievements are deeply appreciated by the people of Palau.The vice president further explained that the Taiwan Technical Mission not only provides guidance in agricultural technology, but also helps improve the nutritional profile of Palau's people, which is related to close cooperation in the fields of medicine and public health. The fresh fruits and vegetables cultivated by the Taiwan Technical Mission provide more diverse options for local elementary school students. Due to Palau's geographical and environmental factors, canned foods have long been a staple, and highly processed foods can pose long-term health risks. Taiwan's promotion of fresh fruits and vegetables and local communication and interaction have therefore won praise from Palauans.The vice president further pointed out that this trip also included a special visit to Belau National Hospital, and she expressed gratitude to Shin Kong Hospital for officially launching medical cooperation with Palau. During the various exchanges, she said that she could see that in addition to government-supported cooperation projects, there was also significant involvement from Taiwan's private healthcare system. For example, physicians from Chang Gung Memorial Hospital traveled to Palau to open volunteer clinics and led young medical students participating in President Lai Ching-te's Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative to engage in medical diplomacy together, fully demonstrating the close cooperation between the two sides in various fields. In addition, the vice president mentioned, in August this year Palau will host the Pacific Islands Forum. She said she looks forward to sharing the achievements of Taiwan-Palau cooperation with other Pacific Island countries through the forum, showcasing the spirit of “Taiwan Can Help” and the people of Taiwan as a force for good.The vice president mentioned that the past few days of close interactions have helped her to develop a deeper understanding of Palauan culture and aspirations. She noted that besides being the nearest diplomatic ally of Taiwan, Palau is also the only one of Taiwan's diplomatic allies that has direct flights to and from Taiwan, which is convenient regardless of whether one is traveling for tourism or for other purposes. Another interesting point is the fact that Palau and Taiwan are both island nations with deep ties to Austronesian history. Palau attaches great importance to the preservation of traditional culture and languages, and the people are deeply proud of their traditional culture. The vice president noted that the trip has afforded her opportunities to engage in exchanges with traditional Palauan leaders. The vice president also spoke with Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl about how to spur more diverse exchanges between our two countries, as well as about the indigenous peoples of Taiwan. They focused especially on how to make more use of the Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative launched by President Lai to bring about more cultural exchanges between the indigenous youth of Taiwan and young people in Palau, so that more Taiwanese people can understand the highly unique culture of Palau.In addition to the allure of Palau's maritime tourism, the vice president also expressed hope that more Taiwanese travelers will develop a deep familiarity with Palau itself. In the future, she said, a more systematic approach can be used to introduce Palau to visitors, including guided tours of notable sites, visits to walking paths, hikes, and other types of outings designed to help Taiwanese visitors better understand Palau's rich and diverse culture. As for cuisine-focused exchanges, the taro dishes that appear in so much of Palau's traditional food are key staples in many Pacific Island nations. Taiwan, as well, has many taro products, she noted, but each country has its own flavors and different styles of preparation. These cultural ties will provide important opportunities for more bilateral exchanges in the future.The vice president stated that in relations between Taiwan and Palau, national interests take top priority, with each side seeking arrangements that best contribute to its own development, including such areas as the economy, industry, and global influence. Palau has long supported Taiwan's participation in international organizations. She mentioned the example of Vice President and concurrent Health Minister Oilouch, who recently spoke up in strong defense of Taiwan's international participation during proceedings at the UN General Assembly. Vice President Hsiao said that Taiwan also hopes, by carrying out its various flagship cooperation projects with Palau, to demonstrate to the world Taiwan's professionalism and capabilities, and to show that Taiwan is able to contribute to the international community.The vice president said that in addition to diplomatic and strategic interests, our bilateral relations also entail friendships and exchanges at the interpersonal level. Besides government-to-government cooperation projects, she said she has also witnessed many exchanges and interactions among the people of Taiwan and Palau. Mentioning baseball as one example of this, she said that the Palau baseball team is the current champion of the Pacific region. The team has trained with assistance from Taiwan, and locals have expressed gratitude for that support, crediting it with contributing to its development. Now other national teams are seeking Taiwan's training assistance following the Palau model. Breakthroughs achieved through sports diplomacy of this sort flow from Taiwan's people power. In the field of medicine, many Taiwan-based NGOs are showing that “Taiwan Can Help” and that “Taiwan is a force for good” in their diplomatic efforts, further building up the bilateral friendship. She said that, in this regard, this trip has been very meaningful.In closing, the vice president thanked the diplomatic team and embassy staff in Palau for their assistance with the trip. She also thanked the traveling press corps, pointing out that the media workers following the delegation have carried heavy equipment from place to place and worked under intense heat and sunlight – no small feat. She thanked the members of the media for using their professional cameras and in-depth reporting to convey the results of this visit to the people of Taiwan, allowing more people to understand the deep friendship between Palau and Taiwan and become more familiar with Palau's rich cultural heritage and beautiful natural landscapes.