Palauan President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. has proposed that Taiwan and Palau engage in monthly joint Coast Guard patrols to bolster deterrence in the West Pacific. This suggestion follows Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration (CGA) completing its inaugural “fleet of friendship” visit to Palau. The flotilla, which included a 4,000-ton Taipei-class patrol vessel and a 1,000-ton Hualien-class cutter, departed from Taipei Port on September 11 and returned on September 24.
During the visit, CGA Fleet Branch Director Huang Hsuan-kai was warmly welcomed by President Whipps at Palau’s One Stop Shop on September 17. Whipps expressed a desire for regular visits and emphasized that “presence is deterrence,” advocating for the proposed monthly joint patrols in the region. A flag-raising ceremony took place on the Taipei’s deck, attended by Taiwan’s diplomatic staff in Palau and members of the World Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce.
Ambassador Jessica Lee, along with Palauan officials, highlighted the need for enhanced maritime law enforcement to combat smuggling and illegal fishing. Lee noted that the fleet’s presence symbolizes the strong diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Palau, fostering peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. The CGA views this visit as a “new chapter” and aims to expand collaborations with Taiwan’s allies to promote regional peace.
