Two Taiwan Coast Guard Administration (CGA) patrol vessels, the 4,000-tonne-class Chiayi and the 1,000-tonne-class Penghu, docked at Palau’s Malakal Harbor on Tuesday for an expedition exercise and diplomatic visit. The visit includes a scheduled meeting between a senior CGA official and Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr.
Chiayi and Penghu vessels arrive at Malakal Harbor
The Chiayi and Penghu patrol vessels departed Taiwan last week, arriving in Palau on Tuesday. This deployment marks the second time the CGA has dispatched a “Friendship Fleet” to another nation. The first goodwill fleet, which included the Taipei and Hualien vessels, visited Palau in 2025, according to a CGA Fleet Branch statement.
Did you know? The current mission utilizes two different vessel classes—a 4,000-tonne-class and a 1,000-tonne-class ship—to test coordination and operational standards during long-distance transit.
CGA Deputy Director-General Hsu Ching-chih meets Palauan leadership
A delegation led by CGA Deputy Director-General Hsu Ching-chih is expected to meet with President Surangel Whipps Jr. during the visit. The itinerary includes a banquet held aboard the Chiayi, where the national flags of Taiwan and Palau will be raised.
Beyond formal diplomacy, the statement notes that the delegation will participate in swimming and pickleball competitions with local Palauan officials.
Joint patrols follow 2019 cooperation agreement
Following the diplomatic events, the two vessels are scheduled to conduct joint patrols with Palauan law enforcement. These operations are based on a bilateral coast guard cooperation agreement signed by the two parties in 2019.
The CGA Fleet Branch stated that personnel conducted various drills during the voyage to validate professional skills and ensure vessel performance met operational standards, specifically focusing on the ability to coordinate between the two ships.
Maritime Diplomacy: The CGA characterizes these missions as “coast guard diplomacy,” aimed at establishing and strengthening international partnerships through shared law enforcement exercises.
What governs Palau and Taiwan maritime cooperation?
What specific agreement governs the joint patrols between Taiwan and Palau?
The joint patrols are conducted under a bilateral coast guard cooperation agreement that was signed in 2019.
Which vessels were part of the first “Friendship Fleet” visit to Palau?
The first goodwill fleet sent to Palau in 2025 consisted of the Hualien and Taipei patrol vessels.
The CGA Fleet Branch stated it will continue to establish international partnerships as part of its maritime cooperation strategy.
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