Taiwan’s Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim is strengthening ties with Palau, highlighting agricultural cooperation, cultural exchange, and even a light-hearted take on taro in hotpot. 

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Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim’s (蕭美琴) visit to Palau highlighted more than diplomacy – it also brought a taste of Taiwan’s food culture and agricultural cooperation.

Baskets of guava, cherry tomatoes, and pineapples showcased the work of Taiwan’s agricultural mission, which has helped improve crop cultivation in     Palau. 

During a visit with Palau’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and the Environment, Hsiao asked, “Are the children used to Taiwan flavors?” She later noted what local children enjoy most: “I heard they all love dragon fruit.”

“Our agricultural technical mission requires a high level of expertise and technology to understand which crops are suitable for Palau’s environment,” Hsiao said. “So far, every meal I’ve had includes some form of taro. Is this from Taiwan or Palau?” she asked, learning it was a local variety. 

Palau’s taro left a strong impression. Asked whether she adds taro to hotpot, she laughed and said, “I’m not against it. I can add taro to hotpot. In taro food culture, we have areas for exchange. I told them, Taiwanese people can add taro to anything.”

Palau has 48 varieties of taro, known for a firmer texture that holds up well in cooking, making it a potential candidate for hot pot. 

Taiwan is also supporting sustainable agriculture to address nutrition challenges, while infrastructure projects – including a newly completed road spanning two states – now make up about 68 percent of Palau’s road network, reflecting growing bilateral ties.