By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang
Palau is one of the 12 countries worldwide that maintain diplomatic relations with the Republic of China, commonly known as Taiwan. These ties were established in December 1999 under the leadership of the late President Kuniwo Nakamura, and successive administrations have continued to nurture this relationship. In the current election season, both presidential candidates have publicly pledged to strengthen and maintain Palau’s diplomatic ties with Taiwan, a sentiment echoed by a significant majority of Palauans.
Over the years, Taiwan has consistently provided development assistance to Palau through annual stimulus grants aimed at capital improvement projects. The assistance has extended beyond financial aid to include resources and technical expertise aimed at bolstering agriculture, livestock programs, social development, youth capacity building, and educational scholarships. One notable example is Taiwan’s recent donation of $100,000 for Palau’s K9 dogs program, supporting both health and national security initiatives.
Taiwan’s investment in infrastructure is significant, with over 66% of Palau’s paved interstate roads funded by Taiwanese aid. Taiwanese support has also facilitated improvements in state buildings, parks, docks, gyms, civic centers, and utility services.
Education has been a major focus, with more than 60 Palauan students currently studying in Taiwan across various fields, including international business and trade, economics, politics, information technology, journalism, and oceanography. Many of these students are recipients of scholarships from Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the International Cooperation and Development Fund. Upon their return, numerous alumni have significantly contributed to nation-building in various sectors, including government, agriculture, and healthcare.
A hallmark of the Taiwan-Palau relationship is the medical referral program, which has improved access to healthcare for Palauans. Taiwan has provided medical specialists and supplies, becoming the primary destination for medical referrals. It also hosts one of Palau’s busiest embassies, which serves the needs of patients, students, and other Palauans visiting Taiwan.
The Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) has been integral to Palau’s agricultural and livestock development, even before the establishment of diplomatic ties. The TTM offers expertise in horticulture, livestock, and poultry. A recent example of this collaboration occurred in July when local pork, raised by a Palauan farmer using techniques learned from TTM, was sold at the WCTC, certified by TTM’s veterinarian.
In this spirit of mutual friendship, Palau remains committed to advocating for Taiwan in the region and internationally. Many Palauans express gratitude for Taiwan’s role as a development partner and its support of Palau and other allies in the Pacific.