VP Hsiao: Taiwan to Deploy Investigators to Palau to Strengthen Cross-Border Crime Cooperation

(Central News Agency, Koror, Palau, June 8) Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim stated in a speech to the Palau National Congress today that transnational crimes such as fraud, cybercrime, money laundering, and drug smuggling have become common challenges in the Pacific region, and Taiwan will continue to deepen law enforcement cooperation. She said that the Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau (MJIB) is preparing to deploy personnel to Palau to work closely with local law enforcement agencies to jointly address the increasingly severe threat of transnational crime.

On the third day of her visit to Palau, Vice President Hsiao delivered an English speech at the Palau National Congress in the morning. She expressed her sincerest gratitude for the invitation from the Palau National Congress and said she was honored to visit some of Palau's most precious landmarks together with Palau President Surangel S. Whipps Jr., including the German Channel, Shark City, and Peleliu. After witnessing Palau's extraordinary natural beauty and experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the Palauan people, she said she fully understands why so many Taiwanese visitors feel such a strong connection to this remarkable country.

Vice President Hsiao stated that both Taiwan and Palau are proud maritime nations, and the ocean has never separated them but rather connected them closely. For generations, their peoples have navigated the Pacific, drawing culture, identity, and livelihood from the sea, and they share the responsibility of protecting the marine environment, maintaining maritime security, and safeguarding natural heritage.

She pointed out that the Taiwan-Palau relationship is built not only on geographical proximity but also on history and shared values. The two countries share an Austronesian cultural connection, are both vibrant democracies, and demonstrate resilience, determination, and the belief that the people determine their own future.

She said that Taiwan and Palau have proven that regardless of size, nations can make profound contributions to the world. Both cherish freedom, uphold the rule of law, respect human dignity, and believe that every country deserves respect, international recognition, and the right to determine its own future.

The Vice President thanked Palau for its long-standing and steadfast support for Taiwan's participation in the international community. She noted that Palau has consistently spoken up for Taiwan at important international forums such as the United Nations General Assembly, the World Health Assembly (WHA), and UN climate change mechanisms, allowing Taiwan to contribute its expertise and experience in areas such as public health, climate action, aviation safety, and combating transnational crime.

Vice President Hsiao said that Taiwan deeply cherishes this friendship. The two countries not only work together on the international stage but also jointly improve the well-being of their people through practical cooperation in areas such as healthcare, education, agriculture, renewable energy, tourism, digital development, and talent cultivation.

She stated that Taiwan and Palau are bound not only by friendship but also by a shared vision for the future. Both are committed to sustainable economic growth, creating opportunities for youth, protecting marine resources, ensuring community safety, and building resilient societies, hoping to leave a peaceful, prosperous, democratic, and free Pacific region for the next generation.

She pointed out that as societies become increasingly interconnected, fraud, cybercrime, money laundering, drug smuggling, and other transnational criminal activities have become common challenges for the entire Pacific region. Taiwan will continue to play the role of a trusted partner, deepening law enforcement cooperation to safeguard the safety and well-being of its people.

To further deepen cooperation, she said the MJIB is preparing to deploy personnel to Palau to work closely with relevant local agencies to jointly address the growing threat of transnational crime.

Regarding climate change, Vice President Hsiao stated that as island nations on the front lines of climate change, both Taiwan and Palau have a responsibility to enhance resilience. The two countries will continue to deepen cooperation in areas such as disaster preparedness, marine conservation, ecosystem maintenance, sustainable fisheries, and renewable energy, sharing expertise and experience to jointly build a safer and more sustainable future.

She mentioned that President Lai Ching-te reaffirmed the long-standing Taiwan-Palau partnership at the Palau National Congress last December, and her visit this time reiterates that commitment. Taiwan will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Palau, and the two island democracies will jointly contribute to peace, prosperity, sustainability, and freedom in the Pacific region.

At the end of her speech, Vice President Hsiao specially shared that she personally designed the packaging for the "Taiwan-Palau Friendship" commemorative chocolates. The packaging incorporates representative scenic spots from Taiwan and Palau, with the theme "Resilient Islands," symbolizing the deep friendship and shared values between the two countries. She encouraged both sides to continue working together with the motto "Unity is strength," so that the Taiwan-Palau friendship will endure forever. (Edited by Xie Jiazhen) 1150608