Vice President Hsiao Meets Palau President; Taiwan Assists in Regional Security

(Central News Agency, Koror, Palau, June 9) Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim stated today that during her meeting with Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr., the two sides focused on issues such as tourism development, regional security, and governance capacity building. She said that in addition to helping promote tourism in Palau, Taiwan is also assisting Palau in strengthening maritime management and law enforcement capabilities through cooperation with the Coast Guard, the Investigation Bureau, and drone technology, jointly maintaining regional security and stability.

Vice President Hsiao, who is visiting Palau, told the media today that during her visit, she exchanged views with President Whipps on issues of mutual concern multiple times. The discussions covered aspects including tourism development, regional security, and governance capacity building, demonstrating the deepening partnership between Taiwan and Palau.

The Vice President pointed out that President Whipps has been visiting Taiwan for many years, and the two sides have maintained close communication on various cooperation issues over the years. During this meeting, President Whipps paid special attention to how to attract more Taiwanese tourists to Palau. She noted that Palau has faced challenges in recent years with China using tourism resources as a tool of pressure, and hopes to find the best balance between maintaining environmental sustainability and tourism development. Therefore, the two sides also exchanged many opinions on promoting tourism.

Regarding regional security, the Vice President stated that Palau's security framework can be divided into different levels. First, in terms of the overall strategic environment, Palau has signed the Compact of Free Association with the United States, under which the U.S. assists Palau with defense and security affairs, providing an important guarantee for regional stability.

Second, in terms of maritime governance and law enforcement cooperation, the Vice President pointed out that Taiwan Coast Guard personnel are currently stationed in Palau to assist in marine resource management. In the future, Investigation Bureau personnel will also cooperate with Palauan law enforcement agencies to combat cross-border crime, illegal fishing, and other illegal activities, further enhancing law enforcement effectiveness.

She stated that the cooperation between Taiwan and Palau focuses not only on current needs but also on sustainable development and local capacity building. A first phase of drone cooperation has been launched, including the provision of training aircraft and related training, to help Palau introduce new technologies and improve maritime management and governance capabilities.

Vice President Hsiao said that Taiwan continues to learn and improve in relevant technical fields, and looks forward to maintaining a partnership with Palau based on mutual respect through continued exchanges and cooperation, jointly promoting regional peace, stability, and prosperity. (Editor: Su Longqi) 1150609