"Cat Warrior" Diplomacy! Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao Inspects TaiwanICDF Technical Mission in Palau, Praising the Thriving Bilateral Cooperation

(中央社訊息服務20260612 11:23:47)Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao recently led a delegation to the allied Republic of Palau for a 5-day, 4-night itinerary under the "Palau Prosperity Project." On June 8 and 9, the Vice President visited the demonstration farm and aquaculture center of the TaiwanICDF Technical Mission in Palau for on-site inspections. This visit aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the bilateral cooperation achievements in agricultural development, food security, and marine sustainability. She also expressed her gratitude and high commendation to the mission members for their long-term dedication to anchoring Taiwan's diplomatic frontlines.

On the first day of the inspection (June 8), Vice President Hsiao arrived at the TaiwanICDF demonstration farm, where Mission Chief Ming-Che Tsai briefed her on various cooperative projects. Tsai stated that the Technical Mission in Palau has long driven technical cooperation in agriculture and fisheries, as well as education and information technology. These efforts assist Palau in enhancing food self-sufficiency and industrial resilience. The team's outstanding performance was highly recognized, earning them the title of "Best Technical Mission of 2025" by the TaiwanICDF.

In her address, Vice President Hsiao highly praised the dedication and hard work of all mission members stationed on the overseas frontlines. She remarked, "The Technical Mission has long committed to cooperation in agriculture, aquaculture, livestock husbandry, and education, aiding Palau's industrial development and deepening the friendship between Taiwan and Palau. Moving forward, we will continue to utilize professional technical cooperation to address Palau's development needs and work together to advance sustainable development."

Subsequently, technical mission expert Chia-Ling Ho introduced the cultivation achievements of crops such as dragon fruit, guava, pineapple, and taro. These high-quality fruits and vegetables are also donated to the Palau Ministry of Education through long-term funding from Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital to serve as nutritious meals for local schoolchildren. Vice President Hsiao highly praised the beautiful produce on display and was deeply impressed by the fruitful outcomes of the mission's deep-rooted local efforts.

The following day's itinerary focused on the sustainable utilization of marine resources and the development of the blue economy, as Vice President Hsiao and her delegation inspected the Taiwan-Palau cooperative aquaculture center. Under the professional guidance of mission expert Po-Yuan Hsieh and technician Hsu-Cheng Chiu, the Vice President gained insights into Taiwan's major breakthroughs in helping Palau elevate aquaculture technologies and marine ecological conservation. Vice President Hsiao also walked up to the breeding ponds to personally feed the massive milkfish broodstock. As the feed hit the water, the energetic broodstock swarmed and leaped to feed, showcasing vibrant vitality and symbolizing the thriving, endless fruits of Taiwan-Palau aquaculture cooperation.

Beyond the professional exchanges, a warm and lighthearted interlude took place. A "new member" who joined the Technical Mission just two months ago—a kitten named Bamboo, beloved by the staff—unexpectedly became the center of attention during the inspection. Upon seeing Bamboo, Vice President Hsiao, affectionately nicknamed the "Cat Warrior," paused to interact with and gently pet the kitten. This heartwarming off-camera exchange added a relaxed atmosphere to the tight inspection schedule and became a memorable behind-the-scenes highlight of the day.

TaiwanICDF Deputy Secretary General Peifen Hsieh stated that since its establishment in 1985, the Technical Mission in Palau has closely aligned with Palau's national development policies. Through multifaceted cooperation projects in agriculture, aquaculture, and human resources development, the mission assists the local community in strengthening food security and industrial resilience, thereby deepening the partnership between the two nations. Looking ahead, the TaiwanICDF will continue to combine Taiwan's technological advantages and development experience to work hand-in-hand with Palau toward Sustainable Development Goals, contributing further to regional prosperity and global sustainability.