KOROR, Palau (June 9, 2025) — Palau’s national baseball team scored a resounding victory in a six-game friendly series against Taiwan’s visiting teams, sweeping all six matchups in the 2025 Taiwan-Palau Baseball Exchange Tournament held at the ASAHI Stadium.
The week-long event not only celebrated baseball diplomacy but also marked a milestone in sports cooperation between the two island nations, with a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) extending their baseball partnership through 2030.
Before the opening pitch on June 6, Palau’s Justice Minister Jennifer Olegeriil and Ambassador Jessica Lee of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Embassy witnessed the formal renewal of the Taiwan-Palau Baseball Development MOU. The agreement solidifies bilateral support through the establishment of permanent baseball offices in both countries and continued athlete exchange.
“We welcome the Taiwan International Baseball Exchange and Development Association for their commitment to grassroots development and elite training,” said Ambassador Lee. “The Palau national baseball team just returned from more than a month of training in Taiwan, fulfilling the promise made by President Lai Ching-te during his December 2024 visit. I wish Palau continued success — and hopefully, a gold medal at the upcoming Pacific Mini Games.”
Under the new MOU, Mlib Tmetuchl, Chairman of the Palau Major League and Palau Baseball Federation, will represent Taiwan’s baseball interests in Palau. In Taiwan, TIBIDA Chairman Huang Sijie will represent Palauan baseball development.
Game Results Recap
Game 1 (June 5)
Palau 7, Taiwan White 1
Palau capitalized on defensive errors and dominated from the mound in the opening game.
Game 2 (June 6, Afternoon)
Palau 8, Taiwan White 5
Despite a late rally, Taiwan White fell to Palau’s timely hits and disciplined base running.
Game 3 (June 6, Evening)
Palau B 9, Taiwan Blue 1
Palau’s B Team took advantage of Taiwan Blue’s shaky bullpen and exploded with eight runs in the third inning.
Game 4 (June 7, Afternoon)
Palau 6, Taiwan White 0
Solid pitching shut down Taiwan’s offense, while Palau scored three runs in the sixth to seal the win.
Game 5 (June 7, Evening)
Palau 5, Taiwan Blue 2 (suspended due to field issues)
Palau surged ahead early. Though the match was suspended, the lead at stoppage secured the win.
Game 6 (June 8)
Palau 6, Taiwan White 2
Taiwan White showed early promise, but fielding errors allowed Palau’s B Team to pull away.
Looking Ahead
The friendly tournament was more than just baseball. It highlighted enduring diplomatic and cultural ties, with both sides committing to future exchanges and development programs.
“This partnership is not just about the game; it’s about building long-term friendships through sport,” said Mlib Tmetuchl. “We’re proud of our team’s performance and look forward to continued collaboration with Taiwan.”
The tournament concluded with plans already underway for future training camps and possible co-hosted events as part of the extended Taiwan-Palau baseball relationship.