At Palau-Taiwan Night, Joseph Wu presents allies with drones and Taichung taro pastries

A small taro pastry became an unexpected star of Taiwan’s diplomatic gathering with Pacific partners. Foreign Minister Joseph Wu said the Taichung taro pastries and drones looked completely different, but both represented Taiwan’s willingness to share talent, technology and experience.

Wu attended Palau-Taiwan Night on Sept. 1, meeting friends from Palau, the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Guam. He brought pastries recommended by Taichung’s bakery association, drawing on taro’s importance across the Austronesian cultural sphere. In Taiwan, the crop goes beyond everyday cooking and is also made into refined pastries used as gifts.

The pastries quickly disappeared after being served, Wu said, as guests showed curiosity about Taiwan’s baked goods and gave them a warm reception. He suggested inviting Taiwanese pastry chefs to Palau to exchange techniques and help local producers turn homegrown taro into high-quality pastries and distinctive gifts. The idea, he said, could increase the value of agricultural products and create more income for local communities.

“

Friendship is built on trust.

The other centerpiece was the donation of drones to Taiwan’s partner countries. Wu said the equipment aims to deepen talent training, technology applications and industrial cooperation, allowing technology to respond to Pacific countries’ development needs.

Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. said friendship is built on trust and that Palau continues to stand with Taiwan because Taiwan has consistently stood with Palau. He thanked Taiwan for believing in Palau and walking alongside it. Wu described the relationship as part of a broader “Pacific way,” based on respecting each partner’s choices and supporting one another as they move forward.

“

Thank you, Taiwan, for believing in Palau, and thank you, Taiwan, for walking alongside Palau all the way.