Taiwan will dispatch personnel to Palau to assist the local authorities in clamping down on transnational organized crime. That promise came from Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) on Monday, June 8, in a speech at the Palau National Congress.

Hsiao is currently leading a delegation on a state visit to Palau, one of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies. In her speech at the Congress, she said Taiwan and Palau both cherish freedom, uphold the rule of law, and respect human dignity. Hsiao said that every country, regardless of size, should be respected, recognized, and have the right to determine its future.

Hsiao said that Taiwan wants to deepen cooperation with Palau, and announced that Taiwan’s Justice Ministry is ready to dispatch personnel to Palau to work closely with local authorities on the increasingly severe challenge of transnational crime. Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr. said in his subsequent speech that there are ongoing attempts to bring drugs and organized crime into Palau, but language barriers often create difficulties in investigations. He added that this makes Taiwan’s assistance valuable.

On Tuesday, June 9, Hsiao visited the Palau National Aquaculture Center, which had its facilities upgraded with Taiwan’s help. She said that aquaculture is one of the key areas of cooperation between Taiwan and Palau. Hsiao added that further promotion of the aquaculture industry is still needed in the area of food fish, to help with Palau’s marine conservation efforts.

On the same day, Hsiao visited another project undertaken with Taiwan’s help on Malakal Island. The Palauan government hopes to develop it into a high-end tourist destination, with facilities for both visitors and local residents. Hsiao said that she hopes that by improving the local facilities, the government and local residents can create tourist experiences that are both sustainable and distinctive.