President Lai observes Taiwan-Palau joint maritime rescue drill   

On the morning of December 6 local time (earlier in the morning of December 6 Taipei time), President Lai Ching-te proceeded to Malakal harbor to observe a Taiwan-Palau joint maritime rescue drill. In remarks, President Lai emphasized that Taiwan will continue deepening cooperation with Palau and other democratic countries to jointly uphold regional stability and security and strive to protect the precious and beautiful ocean.

A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:

Taiwan and Palau are both ocean nations, and we both fully understand the importance of coast guard work. That is why, five years ago, our countries signed an agreement on coast guard cooperation and began engaging in regular exchange activities to jointly maintain maritime order.

Today, Taiwan’s domestically produced offshore patrol vessel the Yunlin is in Palau. She is currently our largest patrol ship in service. On board, there is an operating room, a negative pressure isolation room, and a flight deck for helicopter take-off and landing. The vessel enables Taiwan to make even greater contributions to humanitarian assistance at sea.

Back in June this year, I presided over the launch of the Yunlin. I am very happy to see that in the following months, she has not only enhanced Taiwan’s maritime security but also assisted our diplomatic allies in protecting the ocean. In January this year, we dispatched the offshore patrol vessel the Chiayi to Palau to take part in joint maritime exercises. I would like to thank the government of Palau for its support in continuing to deepen our cooperative partnership. Two of the patrol vessels that will engage in today’s exercises were donated to Palau by Taiwan in 2021. I am very much looking forward to seeing the results of cooperation between the coast guard personnel of our countries. I thank everyone taking part for their efforts.

Maritime security and humanitarian assistance know no national borders. I want to express my appreciation to our colleagues in Taiwan’s coast guard for their hard work. Your dedication not only to Taiwan and its diplomatic allies but the whole world demonstrates a steadfast commitment to democracy, freedom, and prosperity. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue deepening collaboration with Palau and other democratic countries to jointly uphold regional stability and security and strive to protect our precious and beautiful ocean. I wish today’s joint exercises every success.

Following his remarks, President Lai presented Ni Chih-chung (倪志忠), commander of the Yunlin, with a reward in recognition of the hard work of the coast guard personnel. President Lai and Palauan President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. then together unveiled and signed a plaque celebrating the enduring partnership between Taiwan and Palau, observed the joint drill, and toured the onboard medical bay.

Also in attendance at the event were Palauan Minister of State Gustav Aitaro, Attorney General Ernestine K. Rengiil, Bureau of Public Safety Director Curtis Elobt, and Acting Chief of the Division of Maritime Security and Fish and Wildlife Protection Mayce Ngirmeriil.