Visiting Palauan President Surangel S. Whipps says the travel bubble between Taiwan and his country aims to promote peace and prosperity. Palauan President Whipps was speaking Tuesday at a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Taipei for the launch of the travel bubble.
The first flight in the Taiwan-Palau travel bubble is set to leave for the Pacific island nation on Thursday. Whipps said he hopes that there will be more flights to Palau in the future.
"We are a small island but we want you to come and enjoy the sunshine, the nice beaches and see the beautiful fish and the toothless sharks. They are friendly sharks. Welcome the people of Taiwan to come to Palau," said Whipps.
Whipps and his delegation arrived in Taiwan on Sunday, along with US ambassador to Palau John Hennessey-Niland. In an apparent show of dissatisfaction, China sent 20 aircraft to Taiwan’s airspace on the same day.
Vice President William Lai said in the face of China’s expansionism, it is very important that democratic allies work together to pursue peace and stability. Whipps said Palau is a friend of Taiwan and the United States.