On October 19, 2026, President of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Lai Ching-te, attended the inauguration ceremony of the Xin Guang Hospital’s Guilan Building and expressed gratitude for the medical diplomatic efforts of Xin Guang Hospital in strengthening friendship between Taiwan and Palau. In the face of suppression by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and limited international participation, President Lai thanked Palauan President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. for continuing to speak up for Taiwan despite pressure from the CCP.
Taiwan’s Xin Guang Hospital and Palau’s medical cooperation have entered their 20th year, with President Lai Ching-te and Palauan President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. attending the inauguration ceremony of the Xin Guang Hospital’s 40th Guilan Building.
President Lai Ching-te mentioned in his speech that as a member of the medical community, he is well aware of Xin Guang Hospital’s contribution to healthcare in Taiwan. Over the past 40 years, the hospital has been at the forefront of safeguarding the health of the people, upholding the principle of patient-centered care, providing health, hope, and happiness to patients, both in times of normalcy and during the pandemic. Therefore, within just 9 years, Xin Guang Hospital has become a crucial medical center in Taiwan, thanks to the collective efforts of its staff.
President Lai expressed his gratitude to Xin Guang Hospital for assisting the country in promoting medical diplomacy. He mentioned that Taiwan faces relentless suppression from the CCP, yet it continues to be highly recognized by the international community for its achievements in democracy, freedom, core technology, public healthcare services, etc. Particularly as the world transitions into the era of artificial intelligence, Taiwan’s role in global development is indispensable. However, Taiwan’s integration into international organizations is hindered by CCP pressure.
He thanked Palauan President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. for robustly supporting Taiwan, advocating for Taiwan on international platforms such as the United Nations and the Pacific Islands Forum, recognizing Taiwan’s capacity to contribute to the international community. President Whipps, Jr. not only expressed firm support for Taiwan but also acknowledged Xin Guang Hospital for its dedication and contribution to the people of Palau. However, his support for Taiwan has come at a cost, facing significant pressure from the CCP that even infiltrates Palauan politics.
President Lai emphasized that bilateral friendly relations are built on long-term exchanges and mutual support. He sincerely thanked Palau and other international friends for their continuous support for Taiwan, showcasing the commitment of Taiwan and its allies to promote international cooperation and pursue the well-being of their people.
Furthermore, President Lai pointed out that since 2007, Xin Guang Hospital has planned to dispatch nurses to Palau, establishing mechanisms for emergency and critical care patient transfer support, aiding Palau in advancing its healthcare services, and currently assisting Taiwan in promoting the relocation of Palau’s national hospital. Xin Guang Hospital not only safeguards the health of its people but also contributes significantly to the country’s international medical services.
As the first president of Taiwan with a medical background, President Lai aspires to make contributions to the health of the people. While the average life expectancy of the Taiwanese population has increased, the unhealthy years have also risen, accounting for 10% of the average life expectancy. Thus, he has proposed the “Healthy Taiwan Deep Cultivation Plan” aimed at ensuring that people live long and healthy lives, making both the people and the nation stronger and promoting Taiwan’s acceptance by the world.