Diplomacy

Palau Marks 32 Years of Independence With First Celebration in Taiwan

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By Andy Hsueh/Tiffany Wong

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Palau marked the 32nd anniversary of its independence with a celebration in Taipei, the first such event held in Taiwan since the two sides established diplomatic relations nearly 30 years ago. Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr. said independence taught Palau’s 17,000 people the importance of freedom and self-determination. The event brought together Palauan students, families and officials, including Taiwan Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao. As one of Taiwan’s 12 remaining diplomatic allies, Palau has consistently supported Taiwan’s sovereignty and international participation. Both sides also highlighted growing cooperation in tourism, agriculture and healthcare.

"No matter your size, you're able to choose your own destiny." That was the message from Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr. at a celebration in Taipei marking Palau’s 32nd Independence Day.

SURANGEL WHIPPS JR., PALAUAN PRESIDENT:
"People should have freedom to choose. And that's what freedom is all about. So really, today was a celebration of freedom."

Tuesday night's event was the first celebration of Palau Independence Day in Taiwan since the two countries established diplomatic ties nearly three decades ago.

The Palauan embassy and the Taiwan-Palau Student Association organized the event, hosting dozens of Palauan students and families living in Taiwan. Taiwan's Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao and the country’s ambassador to Palau also attended.

Palau, known as Belau in the Palauan language, became a sovereign nation on Oct. 1, 1994. Under its Compact of Free Association with the United States, Washington remains responsible for its defense. Before gaining sovereignty, Palau was controlled at different times by Spain, Germany, Japan and the United States.

President Whipps says that regaining independence taught the 17,000 people of Palau to treasure their right to self-determination.

SURANGEL WHIPPS JR., PALAUAN PRESIDENT:
"In 1994, when we raised our flag and said that we're independent again. It was a special time, you know, I was there, tears, we're crying. Everybody was so excited to regain that ability to choose your own course, to chart your own course."

That sovereignty is something Taiwan hopes to protect, too. The country celebrated its 115th National Day earlier this month, but it continues to face constant threats from China, which claims Taiwan as its own.

Palau is one of Taiwan's 12 remaining diplomatic allies and has been a vocal supporter of Taiwan's sovereignty and international participation, despite pressure from Beijing.

GAAFAR J. UHERBELAU, PALAUAN AMBASSADOR TO TAIWAN:
"Although Palau and Taiwan may be separated by geography, our stories have long been connected. Along with the rest of the Pacific, and as President Whipps has mentioned previously, just because we are small, small islands does not mean that we cannot lead. Nor should the world disregard our contributions to development and to humanity."

The two sides have stepped up exchanges this year. In June, Vice President Hsiao made her first overseas visit in office to Palau, promoting tourism, agricultural and healthcare exchanges.

In September, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung led a delegation to the Pacific Islands Forum, highlighting Taiwan's engagement with Pacific partners.

BI-KHIM HSIAO, TAIWAN VICE PRESIDENT:
"As we celebrate Palau's independence tonight, I am fully confident of our shared future. 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."

For Palauan students in Taiwan, the celebration was also a chance to share their history and culture.

Through cultural performances, music and dance... the community marked 32 years of independence... and the freedom to choose their own futures.