Taiwan Vice President Visits WWII Sites in Palau: 'War Brings Untold Suffering'

(Central News Agency, Koror, Palau, June 7) Taiwan's Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim led a delegation to Palau on June 6. On the afternoon of June 7, she visited Peleliu State to tour the World War II Memorial Museum. Vice President Hsiao stated, "War brings immense suffering and leaves deep scars. I hope the world can learn from history and pursue peace. The United States and Japan once fought a fierce battle here, but now they have become important allies in the Indo-Pacific region. We should all work together to maintain regional stability."

Vice President Hsiao departed for Palau with her delegation on June 6. On the morning of June 7, accompanied by Palauan President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., who personally planned and navigated the trip, she co-steered a boat to the famous snorkeling spot "Big Drop Off" in the southern lagoon of the Rock Islands, known as the "God's Aquarium," to experience the beautiful tropical marine ecosystem firsthand.

In the afternoon, accompanied by President Whipps and Peleliu State Governor Emais Roberts, Vice President Hsiao visited the World War II sites in Peleliu State and the cemetery of former Palauan President Kuniwo Nakamura. The visit reviewed the history of Taiwan-Palau diplomatic relations established during Nakamura's tenure, showcasing the shared vision of deepening bilateral ties and promoting sustainable tourism.

Peleliu Island, located at the southern tip of the Palau archipelago, is rich in marine ecological resources. It is also world-famous for the fierce battle fought between American and Japanese forces during World War II. The island still preserves numerous WWII relics, including the Palau War Memorial Museum, remnants of Japanese artillery positions, and various tank wrecks. Both the United States and Japan have erected memorials on the island to honor all those who perished in the battle, attracting visitors from Japan, the United States, and around the world each year for historical remembrance.

Vice President Hsiao and her delegation first paid respects at the monument and cemetery of former President Kuniwo Nakamura, then visited the World War II Memorial Museum and signed the guest book.

In an interview, Vice President Hsiao said, "War is terrifying. Over 80 years ago, a fierce conflict occurred on Peleliu Island, causing immense suffering and claiming the lives of over 10,000 people on this island. But now, the US and Japan have become important allies in the Indo-Pacific region. All the cooperation between the US and Japan today is aimed at making the region more stable, so that people of any nation can live in peace, enjoy their familiar and happy lives."

President Whipps echoed Vice President Hsiao's remarks, expressing his support for a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific." He stated that its core is to enhance free and vibrant economic and social activities in the Indo-Pacific region through freedom and openness, thereby promoting the region's security, stability, and prosperity.

Furthermore, when Vice President Hsiao arrived in Peleliu State by boat, local residents waved the flags of both nations on the shore to welcome her. A Taiwanese tour guide with a boat full of divers from Switzerland, Belarus, Germany, and other countries also waited specifically on the shore. Upon arrival, Vice President Hsiao greeted everyone in English, took photos, and presented special "Taiwan-Palau Friendship" commemorative chocolates from Taiwan. (Editors: Lin Ke-lun, Yang Lan-xuan) 1150607