Vice President: Taiwan-Palau Cooperation is Close, Fully Demonstrating 'Taiwan Can Help'

(Central News Agency, Koror, Palau, June 10) Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim said today that in recent years, China has weaponized tourism, implementing controls at various levels, which has caused significant fluctuations in Palau's tourist numbers. However, cooperation between Taiwan and Palau across various fields is very close, and she looks forward to further enabling the people of Palau to deeply feel the results of this cooperation, fully demonstrating 'Taiwan Can Help.'

Vice President Hsiao departed on June 6 for the 5-day, 4-night 'Palau Honor Project' and is expected to return home tonight. In the morning, she held a tea gathering with accompanying reporters, followed by a thank-you banquet at the hotel at noon, which was attended by Palau President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. In the afternoon, she is scheduled to inspect the Taiwanese Embassy in Palau before leading the delegation back to Taiwan by plane.

During the tea gathering, the Vice President stated that President Lai Ching-te had entrusted her with three tasks and goals. The first goal is to deepen the friendship between Taiwan and Palau. The schedule was very tight, focusing on building relationships from start to finish. President Whipps personally guided her to visit proud scenic spots and historical sites on the first day. She also met with friends from various sectors in Palau, including traditional leaders, government officials, and the Vice President. Palau Vice President Raynold Oilouch, who also serves as Minister of Health, greeted her at the airport on the first day and personally guided her to understand the medical cooperation between Taiwan and Palau.

The second goal, the Vice President noted, is that Palau is very eager for Taiwan to further promote tourism. Tourism is the most important local industry for Palau, and she has been discussing with Palauan counterparts what Taiwanese people might like. However, she also said that China has weaponized tourism in recent years, using tourist numbers to coerce Palau and implementing controls at various levels, causing significant fluctuations in Palau's tourist numbers.

The Vice President emphasized that Taiwanese tourists love Palau very much, and in recent years, besides Taiwan, tourists from other Western countries have also visited. Palauan officials shared with her that after the Australian Prime Minister visited Palau for his honeymoon not long ago, Australian tourists have been flocking in, and reportedly, flights are now fully booked.

The third goal, the Vice President pointed out, is to witness the results of Taiwan's 'Prosperous Diplomacy' efforts during the visit. These efforts span many different fields. Road construction projects, for example, show the presence of many Taiwanese engineering works everywhere, symbolizing the results of joint efforts. She also witnessed the work of the Taiwan Technical Mission, which is using its expertise in agriculture, education, language teaching, and information technology to assist Palau's digitalization, all of which resonate with the people of Palau.

The Vice President emphasized that cooperation between Taiwan and Palau in all areas is very close, and she looks forward to further enabling the people of Palau to deeply feel the results of this cooperation. Palau will next host the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), and she is very much looking forward to sharing the cooperation between Taiwan and Palau with other Pacific island nations once again, fully demonstrating 'Taiwan Can Help' and the good-hearted power of the Taiwanese people. (Edited by Lin Shu-yuan, Hsieh Chia-chen) 1150610