Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) will visit Palau on June 6, marking her first visit to one of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies since taking office in 2024. The announcement came on Monday, June 1, from the Presidential Office.

Hsiao will travel to the Republic of Palau on June 6 for a five-day state visit. Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) said during a press conference that relations between Taiwan and Palau have been close and friendly since they were established. President Lai Ching-te’s (賴清德) first overseas visit after taking office was to Palau, and Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr. has visited Taiwan multiple times in recent years.

Kuo said that Hsiao’s visit will have three aims: deepening bilateral ties, assisting Palau in promoting sustainable tourism, and witnessing the achievements of Taiwan-Palau collaboration projects in healthcare, agriculture and fisheries, and public infrastructure.