“Our former President Kuniwo Nakamura made a very wise decision, and we are very happy with that decision,” expressed House Speaker Sabino Anastacio of Palau’s decision to form a diplomatic alliance with Taiwan in 1999.
Speaker Anastacio, the Minister of State in 1999, signed the diplomatic note that bound the two countries for the last 23 years. “ROC has provided a lot of assistance to Palau, and ….we look forward to the continued friendship to exceed over 30 years,” added Speaker Anastacio in his remarks at the celebration of the Republic of China -Taiwan’s 111th National Day celebration on October 4th at the Palasia Hotel in Palau.
Ambassador Jessica Lee of the Republic of China-Taiwan expressed appreciation for the longstanding friendship between Taiwan and Palau. She said it is also “time for the 23 million people of Taiwan to celebrate…and time for recommitment with allies and like-minded partners to promote peace, stability, and prosperity.”
In her remarks, Ambassador Lee noted that Taiwan had received a “surge of international attention,” among many notable things in the last few years. As result of Taiwan’s successful handling of the world pandemic, Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen was selected by Time Magazine as one of the 100 Influential People in the world.
Taiwan, a leading manufacturer of the world’s semiconductors, had its semiconductor companies recognized worldwide as the “most valuable companies in the world by market capitalization, with revenue in 2021 exceeding over $575 billion.
Other notable achievements mentioned include Taiwan’s economy growing 6.28% in 2021 despite the pandemic, its green power generation reaching 15.1% by 2025, and its plan to achieve Net Zero by 2050.
Ambassador Lee also raised attention to the “accelerating” authoritarianism in the world and China’s growing “diplomatic and military coercive and provocative behavior to undermine democracy.”
China’s “aggressive and provocative” acts have further increased support for Taiwan, especially from the United States of America, declaring “America’s unwavering commitment to supporting Taiwan’s vibrant democracy,” asserted Ambassador Lee.
Minister Charles Obichang, speaking on behalf of the Republic of Palau, expressed Palau’s continued support of Taiwan’s participation in international organizations and international bodies and thanked Taiwan for its years of committment and support to the Republic of Palau.
The 111th National Day celebration for Taiwan was highlighted by a performance from Palau High School Arts and Theater Program, with students singing a Mandarin song called “Hand in Hand” to symbolize the partnership between the two countries.