Overview:
Palau’s nominee for ambassador to Taiwan faced senators in a fast-tracked confirmation hearing, where concerns over patient care and citizen safety abroad took center stage. Lawmakers pressed Gaafar Uherbelau on how he would address ongoing issues affecting Palauans in Taiwan.
Lawmakers raise concerns over medical referrals and evacuation plans amid rising regional tensions
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang
KOROR, Palau — Gaafar J. Uherbelau, President Surangel Whipps Jr.’s nominee for ambassador to Taiwan, appeared before senators Wednesday for a confirmation hearing marked by an unusually fast timeline.
The April 15 hearing took place just two days after his nomination and one day before it was formally assigned to a committee.
Members of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and State Matters, chaired by Sen. Mason Whipps, along with other lawmakers, questioned Uherbelau on his readiness for the role. While discussions broadly centered on strengthening Palau’s diplomatic relationship with Taiwan, two key concerns emerged: the treatment of Palauan medical referral patients and contingency planning for citizens in Taiwan amid rising geopolitical tensions.
Sen. Pedro cited complaints from Palauan patients referred to Taiwan for medical care, pointing to reports of poor accommodations and inadequate communication between the Healthcare Fund (HCF) and patients.
Uherbelau acknowledged the concerns but emphasized the limits of the ambassador’s role.
“While as ambassador it is not appropriate to overstep and dictate roles that fall into another agency’s area of responsibilities, based on my past experience as health minister and my knowledge of HCF regulations, I will aid in improving communication lines between the Ministry of State, Healthcare Fund, and the Ministry of Health and Human Services to work to address such concerns,” he said.
Sen. Sungino raised concerns about the safety of Palauan students and citizens in Taiwan, urging the development of evacuation plans amid escalating global tensions.
Uherbelau said he would work with the Taiwan government to establish protocols, preparedness, and response measures.
Uherbelau previously served as Palau’s minister of health and human services and has had a long career in public health, including service on various boards. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Auckland in New Zealand, with a double major in social science (public health) and politics and international relations.
Palau established diplomatic relations with Taiwan in Dec. 29, 1999. Johnson Toribiong served as the first ambassador to Taiwan from 2001 to 2008, followed by Jackson Henry from 2009 to 2010. After Henry’s resignation on May 24, 2010, the embassy in Taipei was led by Charge d’Affaires Marvin Ngirutang until subsequent appointments of Peter Adelbai (2012–2013), Dilmei Olkeriil (2014–2022), and, most recently, Dave Orrukem (2022–2025).
If confirmed, Uherbelau would become Palau’s sixth ambassador to Taiwan, serving through January 2029. He told senators he intends to complete that term before returning to Palau to refocus on the health sector.