Vice President Hsiao Returns from Palau: 'Taiwanese Have the Right to Go Global'
Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim completed the 'Palau Honor Project' and returned to Taiwan, emphasizing that Taiwanese people have the right to go global. She announced the permanent stationing of investigators in Palau and the donation of drones to deepen bilateral cooperation.
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- 📰 Published: June 10, 2026 at 23:46
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(Central News Agency, Taoyuan Airport, 10th) Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim departed on the 6th for the 'Palau Honor Project' and returned home tonight, delivering a speech stating that the diplomatic mission was successfully completed. She noted that Taiwan's diplomatic situation is full of challenges but expressed gratitude for the warmth and support from the Palauan government and people, asserting that Taiwanese people have the right to go global.
Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim departed on the 6th for the 5-day, 4-night 'Palau Honor Project,' her first official visit to the allied nation of Palau since taking office. She arrived back at Taoyuan International Airport around 9 PM tonight and delivered a speech.
Vice President Hsiao stated that the diplomatic mission of the 'Palau Honor Project' entrusted by President Lai Ching-te has been successfully completed. This was her first visit to the allied nation of Palau as Vice President. She said the trip left a deep impression on her, thanks to the thoughtful arrangements by Palauan President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. and the Palauan government.
Vice President Hsiao shared three key takeaways from the visit. First, the friendship between Taiwan and Palau is a bond of Austronesian family across the ocean. The delegation received a very warm welcome from President Whipps, Vice President Raynold Oilouch, various Palauan ministry heads, and traditional leaders. She noted that Palauans are as warm and hospitable as Taiwanese, and she deeply felt the family-like closeness between the people of the two countries, especially the shared cultural connection of the Austronesian language family that transcends language, giving her a sense of familiarity and grounding.
Second, Palau's blue ocean and sunshine are unmissable sights. She especially thanked President Whipps for personally arranging a tour of Palau's famous attractions, allowing the delegation's eyes and media cameras to convey Palau's beauty and warmth to more people in Taiwan. Palau is geographically the closest allied nation to Taiwan, with four weekly direct flights from Taiwan taking less than four hours, making transportation very convenient. She strongly recommended that Taiwanese people experience Palau's beauty but remember to use sunscreen.
Third, the delegation witnessed many achievements of the 'Taiwan-Palau Honor Project,' demonstrating Taiwan's capability to contribute to the international community. The visit also announced that the Investigation Bureau will station personnel in Palau permanently and donate drones to strengthen various forms of cooperation. The delegation also visited Taiwan-funded construction projects, the national hospital, and the demonstration farm and aquaculture center of the Taiwan Technical Mission in Palau, jointly witnessing the results of the Honor Project in areas like infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries, and healthcare in recent years.
Vice President Hsiao expressed confidence that these substantive collaborations will allow both countries to continue deepening cooperation in various fields on the existing solid foundation, promoting the welfare of their people and national development.
Vice President Hsiao pointed out that Taiwan's diplomatic situation is full of challenges, and the pressure has never been less. However, she is very grateful for the warmth and support from the Palauan government and people. As President Lai said, Taiwanese are global citizens, and Taiwanese people have the right to go global. 'We are not afraid of difficulties, because Taiwanese people are always kind and willing to make concrete contributions to the international community.'
Vice President Hsiao finally thanked the Palauan government for its support and assistance for the visit, as well as the accompanying officials, delegation members, medical technical team, and especially the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Palau and other units working on the front lines for Taiwan-Palau relations, expanding Taiwan's international space, and contributing to the world.
Earlier in the afternoon, Vice President Hsiao also visited the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Palau. Accompanied by Ambassador Chen Kang-i, she inspected the office environment and interacted with embassy staff, thanking them for their dedication to deepening the Taiwan-Palau friendship.
After the embassy visit, Vice President Hsiao and her delegation arrived at Palau International Airport. Accompanied by Vice President Oilouch, she received a salute from the police honor guard in a solemn and warm atmosphere before boarding the plane to return to Taiwan. (Editor: Chang Ya-ching) 1150610
Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim departed on the 6th for the 5-day, 4-night 'Palau Honor Project,' her first official visit to the allied nation of Palau since taking office. She arrived back at Taoyuan International Airport around 9 PM tonight and delivered a speech.
Vice President Hsiao stated that the diplomatic mission of the 'Palau Honor Project' entrusted by President Lai Ching-te has been successfully completed. This was her first visit to the allied nation of Palau as Vice President. She said the trip left a deep impression on her, thanks to the thoughtful arrangements by Palauan President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. and the Palauan government.
Vice President Hsiao shared three key takeaways from the visit. First, the friendship between Taiwan and Palau is a bond of Austronesian family across the ocean. The delegation received a very warm welcome from President Whipps, Vice President Raynold Oilouch, various Palauan ministry heads, and traditional leaders. She noted that Palauans are as warm and hospitable as Taiwanese, and she deeply felt the family-like closeness between the people of the two countries, especially the shared cultural connection of the Austronesian language family that transcends language, giving her a sense of familiarity and grounding.
Second, Palau's blue ocean and sunshine are unmissable sights. She especially thanked President Whipps for personally arranging a tour of Palau's famous attractions, allowing the delegation's eyes and media cameras to convey Palau's beauty and warmth to more people in Taiwan. Palau is geographically the closest allied nation to Taiwan, with four weekly direct flights from Taiwan taking less than four hours, making transportation very convenient. She strongly recommended that Taiwanese people experience Palau's beauty but remember to use sunscreen.
Third, the delegation witnessed many achievements of the 'Taiwan-Palau Honor Project,' demonstrating Taiwan's capability to contribute to the international community. The visit also announced that the Investigation Bureau will station personnel in Palau permanently and donate drones to strengthen various forms of cooperation. The delegation also visited Taiwan-funded construction projects, the national hospital, and the demonstration farm and aquaculture center of the Taiwan Technical Mission in Palau, jointly witnessing the results of the Honor Project in areas like infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries, and healthcare in recent years.
Vice President Hsiao expressed confidence that these substantive collaborations will allow both countries to continue deepening cooperation in various fields on the existing solid foundation, promoting the welfare of their people and national development.
Vice President Hsiao pointed out that Taiwan's diplomatic situation is full of challenges, and the pressure has never been less. However, she is very grateful for the warmth and support from the Palauan government and people. As President Lai said, Taiwanese are global citizens, and Taiwanese people have the right to go global. 'We are not afraid of difficulties, because Taiwanese people are always kind and willing to make concrete contributions to the international community.'
Vice President Hsiao finally thanked the Palauan government for its support and assistance for the visit, as well as the accompanying officials, delegation members, medical technical team, and especially the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Palau and other units working on the front lines for Taiwan-Palau relations, expanding Taiwan's international space, and contributing to the world.
Earlier in the afternoon, Vice President Hsiao also visited the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Palau. Accompanied by Ambassador Chen Kang-i, she inspected the office environment and interacted with embassy staff, thanking them for their dedication to deepening the Taiwan-Palau friendship.
After the embassy visit, Vice President Hsiao and her delegation arrived at Palau International Airport. Accompanied by Vice President Oilouch, she received a salute from the police honor guard in a solemn and warm atmosphere before boarding the plane to return to Taiwan. (Editor: Chang Ya-ching) 1150610
FAQ
What was the main purpose of Vice President Hsiao's visit to Palau?
To execute the 'Palau Honor Project,' strengthen Taiwan-Palau relations, and inspect cooperation results.
What specific cooperation was announced during the visit?
The permanent stationing of Investigation Bureau personnel in Palau and the donation of drones.
What did Vice President Hsiao emphasize during the visit?
That Taiwanese people have the right to go global and the will to contribute to the international community.