Overview:
Taiwan Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim has arrived in Palau for a five-day visit focused on strengthening diplomatic relations, promoting sustainable tourism and reviewing key development projects between the two allies.
Five-day trip highlights bilateral cooperation, development projects and people-to-people exchanges.
By: L.N. Reklai
KOROR, Palau (June 8, 2026) — Republic of China (Taiwan) Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim arrived in Palau on June 6 for a five-day visit aimed at strengthening diplomatic relations, promoting sustainable tourism and highlighting the achievements of bilateral development projects between the two longtime allies.
Hsiao was welcomed at Palau International Airport by Palau Vice President Raynold Oilouch, Taiwan Ambassador to Palau Andy Kang-I Chen and members of the local Taiwanese community. The arrival ceremony featured traditional Palauan greetings, including conch shell blowing by local youth, a flower garland presentation and a police honor guard.
Shortly after arriving, Hsiao visited Asahi Baseball Field, where she met players participating in the Taiwan-Palau Friendship Baseball Series. She presented friendship chocolates to the Taiwanese team and thanked organizers and athletes for helping strengthen people-to-people ties through sports exchanges.
The visit, dubbed the “Palau Prosperity Project,” marks Hsiao’s first trip to one of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies since assuming office as vice president.
Before departing Taiwan, Hsiao outlined three key objectives for the trip: deepening diplomatic ties with Palau, supporting Palau’s sustainable tourism initiatives and witnessing the results of Taiwan-funded development cooperation projects.
During her stay, Hsiao is expected to meet with President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. and other Palauan leaders to discuss bilateral relations and future cooperation.
She said Taiwan hopes to help showcase Palau’s world-renowned natural attractions to more Taiwanese travelers while supporting the island nation’s tourism sector, a priority of the Palauan government.
Hsiao also plans to review projects under the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, which has supported Palau in areas including public health, agriculture, fisheries and infrastructure development.
Taiwan and Palau established diplomatic relations more than 25 years ago and have maintained close cooperation through development assistance, education, health and people-to-people exchanges. Hsiao expressed hope that the visit would further strengthen the partnership and expand opportunities for future collaboration between the two countries.