Overview:
Taiwan has pledged to remain Palau’s “most reliable partner,” reaffirming the two countries’ close diplomatic ties during Palau’s first official Independence Day celebration in Taipei. President Surangel Whipps Jr. and Taiwan Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim highlighted cooperation in health care, education, infrastructure, trade and travel as the two allies marked Palau’s 32nd anniversary of independence.
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang
Taipei, Taiwan — The Embassy of Palau in Taipei held the first official celebration of Palau Independence Day in Taiwan on Tuesday, October 20, bringing together Taiwanese partners from the health-care and education sectors, business leaders, students, and Palauan citizens living in Taiwan for an evening of speeches, dinner, and cultural performances.
The event marked Palau’s 32nd anniversary of independence and drew Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. and First Lady Whipps, along with Taiwan’s Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim. It followed another Independence Day celebration this month by the Palauan diaspora in Guam and marked the first time the embassy, Palauan students, and Taiwanese partners from government agencies and the private sector marked the anniversary in Taiwan.
Speaking at the event, Hsiao said Taiwan would continue to stand beside Palau. “Taiwan will remain Palau’s most reliable partner. In turbulent waters, we will stand firmly with Palau like family, just as Palau has resolutely stood with Taiwan,” she said.
Hsiao described Palau as a staunch and vocal ally of Taiwan, saying the two countries’ partnership extended beyond words. “It paves roads, it builds vital infrastructure, and directly improves lives,” she said.
In his remarks, President Whipps highlighted Taiwan’s assistance to Palau and the close ties between the two nations in areas including health care, education, trade, and travel. “Our direct flights, our students, our investments, we create an unbreakable bundle,” he said.
Whipps also emphasized the mutual commitment underpinning the relationship. “We give each other strength, we protect each other’s sovereignty, and we lift each other up,” he said.
Taiwan and Palau established formal diplomatic relations in 1999. The Taipei celebration underscored the enduring partnership between the two Pacific allies, with both leaders framing their relationship as one built on shared values, practical cooperation, and mutual support.