Palauan Ambassador to Taiwan Dilmei Olkeriil said that diplomatic ties between the two nations are “extremely stable,” despite a Chinese travel ban that prevents tourists from visiting the western Pacific island nation.
Taiwan and Palau, which established official ties in December 1992, continue to enjoy exchanges in many areas, including tourism, medicine, education and others, all of which ensure a stable relationship, Olkeriil said in an interview.
Beijing last month issued a ban on tourist groups visiting Palau, which some are calling a measure to punish the nation for its relationship with Taiwan.
Palau would not establish official ties with China, which would require it to sever links with Taiwan, even if pressured by Beijing, Olkeriil said.
Palau would instead work to diversify its sources of tourists, targeting Taiwan and nations in Europe and North America, she added.
President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) last month said that the number of direct flights between the two nations would increase starting next year.
Olkeriil mentioned several initiatives Taiwan has launched in Palau to promote development.
She also expressed hope that more nations around the world would learn about Taiwan’s advances in medicine and technology.
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