Source: Republic of China Taiwan
Vice President Hsiao calls on President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., visits Palau National Congress, and attends drone donation ceremony
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.