Republic of China (Taiwan) Navy’s Fleet of Friendship paid a goodwill visit to Palau from May 28 to June 1, 2025, this is its 18th visit to the Republic of Palau and also the longest trip ever the Fleet has stayed in Palau. The goodwill visit is witness to the enduring friendship between the two countries.
The Fleet was warmly received by a welcoming ceremony jointly held by H.E Jessica Lee, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Hon. Vice President & Minister Raynold B. Oilouch, Vice President and Minister of Health and Human Services of the Republic of Palau, at the Malakal port on May 28. The latter bid welcome on behalf of President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. who was attending Nikkei Forum 30th Future of Asia in Japan.
On May 29, the Fleet held a reception on the Fast Combat Support Ship Pan-shi to thank the Palau government, people and overseas Chinese for their warm reception. Ambassador Lee, Vice President Oilouch and the RADM, Liu, Tai-Jui sang on the stage together, demonstrating the brotherly friendship between Taiwan and Palau.
On the morning of May 30, the Fleet presented the Navy Marching Band, honor Guards’ drills and Marine Corps martial arts performances at the Asahi Stadium. In the afternoon, a basketball friendship match between the students on the Fleet and the Palau High School sport club was held at the Koror Elementary School’s Gymnasium. Besides, the art staff of the Fleet and 10 Palau High School students together created a painted wall at the Palau High School Spider Gym. Through the events, Taiwan and Palau fully carried out artistic, cultural and youth exchanges.
On the morning of May 31, the Fleet held a flag-hoisting ceremony on the Frigate Wu-Chang. Vice President Oilouch and High Chief Ngirturong John Sugiyama attended on behalf of the Palau government and traditional leader, and more than 30 overseas Chinese attended.
On the morning of June 1, Ambassador Lee, Vice President Oilouch and the Taiwanese community bid farewell to the Fleet with reluctance. Vice President Oilouch expressed his welcome to the Fleet for the annual visit to Palau, just as the brotherhood between Taiwan and Palau will last forever.
The Fleet of Friendship consists of Fast Combat Support Ship Pan-Shi, Frigate Zheng-He, and Frigate Wu-Chang. It conducts the “Midshipmen Cruising and Training Squadron” program for graduating cadets for shipboard training.
