Vice President Hsiao visits natural and historical sites in Palau

On the morning of June 7 local time (morning of the same day Taipei time), during her visit to the Republic of Palau, Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao toured several natural and historical sites, including Peleliu Island and the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage site. She was personally accompanied by Palauan President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., who also piloted the boat.

Vice President Hsiao boarded the boat from the dock of the Palau Royal Resort. President Whipps personally piloted the watercraft, allowing her to experience the charm of Palau's ocean tourism. The vice president also briefly took the helm to enjoy navigating the waters.

The delegation first headed to view Lover's Bridge, a natural archway formed by years of seawater and wind erosion on the coral rocks. Next, they proceeded to a famous dive site, the Big Drop-off, for a snorkeling experience. There, they viewed coral reefs and diverse marine life up close, experiencing firsthand why Palau is known as "God's aquarium." President Whipps and Vice President Hsiao also paddled a kayak together, enjoying the fun of being out on the water.

Following this, the vice president traveled to Peleliu State, where she responded to questions from the media regarding her tourism experience on this visit. Vice President Hsiao stated that seeing Palau's beauty with her own eyes allowed her to more deeply understand the Palauan people's desire to share this magnificent scenery with more of Taiwan's people. She noted that people from island nations are commonly open-minded and very friendly, and that the peoples of Taiwan and Palau share many similarities. She expressed her gratitude to President Whipps for the special arrangements, adding that sailing on the vast open sea was an incredibly relaxing experience.

Commenting on the snorkeling experience, Vice President Hsiao said that Palau's underwater scenery is spectacular. She noted that the richly colored coral reefs and the wide variety of fish left a deep impression on her, and expressed hope that more of Taiwan's citizens will visit Palau to enjoy such an excursion. She also mentioned that President Whipps is highly familiar with the marine environment; whether it was sea turtles hiding in the rocks or sharks resting on the seabed, he was able to quickly spot them and introduce them to everyone. She stated that she felt extremely fortunate to receive such a professional guided tour.

The vice president stated that she had previously snorkeled in Kenting and had visited Palau with her family 18 years ago; engaging with the ocean again after many years, she recognized Palau's long-term commitment to marine conservation. She noted that it is only by continuously seeking a balance between tourism development and ecological protection that Palau can ensure visiting tourists truly experience its beauty.

Discussing the afternoon itinerary, Vice President Hsiao pointed out that Peleliu was a crucial and fiercely contested battlefield between the United States and Japan during World War II, saying that the conflicts of war from over 80 years ago offer many historical lessons. Today, she said, the US and Japan have become important allies in the Indo-Pacific region, and their cooperative efforts are aimed at promoting regional stability, ensuring that people of all nations can live and work in a peaceful environment.

After a luncheon, guided by President Whipps and Peleliu State Governor Emais Roberts, Vice President Hsiao visited the gravesite of former Palauan President Kuniwo Nakamura to lay flowers and pay her respects. She then toured the Peleliu World War II Memorial Museum.

Also in attendance at the event were Palauan Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl, Ambassador-designate to Taiwan Gaafar J. Uherbelau, and Japanese Ambassador to Palau Kasahara Kenichi.