00:03Ambassadors from Palau, Tuvalu, and the Marshall Islands, Taiwan's three diplomatic allies
00:09in the Pacific, come together in Taipei to showcase their cultures with song and traditional
00:16dances.
00:21This is the first time the three Pacific Island nations have held a joint cultural event in
00:27Taiwan, emphasizing the importance of cultural diplomacy.
00:31The culture of exchange is important because culture makes who you are, and who you are
00:38makes you decide who you want to be friends with.
00:42And between these two cultures, we see the closeness, the similarities, and it makes it
00:49easier for these two countries to have this tight relationship.
00:52It was also a celebration of diplomatic relations.
00:56It comes at a time when China is working to expand its influence in the Pacific and curb
01:02Taiwan's diplomatic presence there.
01:04Amid Chinese pressure, several countries in the region have cut ties with Taipei in recent
01:10years, switching recognition to Beijing.
01:13But here, Palau, Tuvalu, and the Marshall Islands say their support is unwavering.
01:19Our three countries stand proudly and steadfastly in friendship with the Republic of China and
01:28Taiwan.
01:28We reaffirm our support for Taiwan's meaningful participation in the international community
01:35and express our sincere appreciation for Taiwan's valuable contributions to global development,
01:44humanitarian assistance, public health, technological innovation, and regional prosperity.
01:51The event drew ambassadors from Taiwan's other diplomatic allies, the director of the U.S.'s de
02:05important cooperation projects, like advancing smart medicine in the Marshall Islands, helping
02:11build an undersea cable for Tuvalu, and hosting joint maritime rescue drills with Palau.
02:17He says by working together, the countries can help maintain stability in the region.
02:22We are all maritime nations.
02:27The ocean defines our heritage.
02:31Via cultural rules, we also share the values of freedom and democracy.
02:39For many years, we have supported one another and worked side by side.
02:46Together, we contribute to the peace, stability, and prosperity of our region.
02:55The event also comes as Vice President Bi Kim Hsiao is heading to Palau for a state visit to strengthen
03:02diplomatic relations.
03:04She will meet with Palauan President Serengal-Whipps Jr. and review the progress of projects they're
03:09working on together.
03:11So, an important time for Taiwan's relations with its Pacific allies that say they will
03:17stay committed to Taiwan.
03:18Come on, Nana from the Marshall Islands, Fakata Fai Lassi from Tuvalu, Meisulang from Palau,
03:27and Xie Xie from our beautiful second home here in Taiwan.
03:30Thank you, everyone.
03:31Enjoy your time.
03:32Justin Wu, Scott Wong, Tien Ye, and Kane Skoranta of the Taiwan Plus.
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