Overview:
Taiwan and Palau reaffirmed their longstanding friendship during Taiwan’s 115th National Day celebration aboard Coast Guard patrol vessel *Chiayi* on October 8. The event highlighted growing cooperation in maritime security, democracy, education and cultural exchanges, with President Surangel Whipps Jr. reaffirming Palau’s support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations.
The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in the Republic of Palau hosted a reception on the evening of October 8 to celebrate the 115th National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan). In conjunction with the Taiwan Coast Guard Administration’s (CGA) 2026 Training Mission, the National Day reception was held aboard the CGA patrol vessel Chiayi for the first time. His Excellency President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. and First Lady Valerie Whipps attended the celebration, together with members of Palau’s Cabinet, the Olbiil Era Kelulau (Palau National Congress), distinguished guests from various sectors, representatives of the Taiwan Chamber of Commerce in Palau, and members of the Taiwanese community. The gathering celebrated Taiwan’s National Day and reaffirmed the enduring friendship between Taiwan and Palau.
This year’s National Day theme, “A Democratic Taiwan, Moving Forward with the World,” carries special significance as Taiwan marks the 30th anniversary of its first direct presidential election in 1996. This milestone reflects the unwavering commitment of the Taiwanese people to safeguarding democracy, freedom, and human rights over the past three decades. Democracy is not only a fundamental value shared by Taiwan and Palau, but also an essential foundation for global peace and economic prosperity.
In his remarks, H.E. Ambassador Andy Kang I Chen highlighted that three decades of democratic development have established Taiwan as a trusted partner in the international community. He reaffirmed Taiwan’s commitment to advancing values-based diplomacy and integrated diplomacy, while deepening cooperation with diplomatic allies and like-minded partners. Ambassador Chen also reviewed major achievements in Taiwan–Palau relations over the past year, including the visit of Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao to Palau, the participation of Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung in the 55th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting at the invitation of Palau, and Taiwan’s participation in the Pacific Prosperity Exhibit organized by the Palauan government, which showcased the “Taiwan Model” of pursuing shared prosperity with Pacific partners.
Ambassador Chen further noted that visits to Palau by the Republic of China (Taiwan) Navy’s Fleet of Friendship, Youth Ambassadors, and delegations from the medical, educational, and business sectors have demonstrated the breadth and depth of bilateral exchanges. Looking ahead, Taiwan will continue to leverage its strengths to expand cooperation with Palau across various fields. He also expressed sincere appreciation to President Whipps, the Palauan government, the Olbiil Era Kelulau, and the people of Palau for their longstanding and steadfast support for Taiwan–Palau relations and Taiwan’s meaningful international participation.
In his remarks, CGA Deputy Director-General Hsu Jing-Zhih emphasized the special significance of hosting Taiwan’s National Day reception aboard a Coast Guard vessel for the first time. He noted that the occasion symbolized the further expansion of Taiwan–Palau friendship into maritime law enforcement cooperation and exchanges between frontline personnel. Since the signing of the bilateral Coast Guard Cooperation Agreement in 2019, Taiwan and Palau have continued to strengthen their partnership through joint patrols, maritime search and rescue exercises, and personnel exchanges. The visit of the CGA vessels Chiayi and Penghu, together with renewed joint maritime patrol operations, demonstrated how mutual trust has been translated into concrete action. She reaffirmed Taiwan’s commitment to working closely with Palau to address maritime security challenges, including search and rescue operations, illegal fishing, and transnational crime, while jointly safeguarding peace, security, and order in the Pacific.
In his address, President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. extended his warm congratulations on the 115th National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and reaffirmed the longstanding and close friendship between Palau and Taiwan. President Whipps emphasized that the two nations share not only a common Austronesian heritage but also universal values of democracy and freedom. He highlighted the frequent high-level exchanges between the two countries, including multiple visits to Palau by President Lai Ching-te and the visit of Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao in June 2026, as clear demonstrations of the strong and enduring bilateral partnership.
President Whipps further recognized Taiwan as a trusted partner in the international community, highlighting its pivotal role in the global technology and semiconductor industries and its significant contributions through sharing expertise and achievements in technology, healthcare, and agriculture. He called upon the international community to support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations and mechanisms, including the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). He stressed that excluding Taiwan represents a loss to the international community and reiterated Palau’s unwavering support for Taiwan’s international participation. President Whipps concluded by once again extending his National Day congratulations and expressing his hope that Taiwan and Palau would continue to prosper together while upholding their shared values of democracy and freedom.
The National Day reception also featured a special musical performance by students from the Mandarin language class at Mindszenty High School, who performed the song “Hand in Hand” (手牽手). The performance also highlighted the growing cultural and educational exchanges between the two countries, bringing a memorable touch to the festive occasion.
On October 9, the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Palau also organized a Taiwan–Palau Joint Flag-Raising Ceremony and Coast Guard Vessel Tour, attended by Palau’s Minister of State, Hon. Gustav Aitaro. The event further highlighted the close partnership and cooperation between the two countries. Following the ceremony, participants bid farewell to the CGA patrol vessel Penghu as it departed to carry out a joint maritime patrol mission with Palau. The operation underscored the two countries’ continued commitment to strengthening maritime law enforcement cooperation, enhancing maritime security, and deepening the longstanding friendship between Taiwan and Palau.
This year’s National Day celebrations also featured a Taiwan–Palau Pickleball Friendship Match, attended by Ambassador Chen, President Whipps, First Lady Valerie Whipps, Minister Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl, Minister Charles I. Obichang, Minister Jennifer Olegeriil, Delegate Stephanie Ngirchoimei, and CGA Deputy Director-General Hsu. In addition, students from Taiwan’s Central Police University accompanying the Coast Guard fleet during its visit to Palau participated in a friendly swimming competition with students from Palau High School. Both sporting events were marked by enthusiastic participation and lively interactions, further fostering people-to-people exchanges, mutual understanding, and friendship between Taiwan and Palau.