TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Navy’s Pan Shi fast combat support ship made a two-day stop in the Marshall Islands last Tuesday.
Rear Admiral Chen Ming-feng (陳明峯) led the Midshipmen and Cruising Training Squadron (MCTS) during the visit. This was the first port of call of their training voyage, “symbolizing the close and enduring friendship between the two nations,” according to the Taiwan Embassy in the Marshall Islands.
The Majuro Atoll government held a ceremony to welcome their arrival. Locals could board the ship to view a Taiwan-themed exhibition showcasing the country’s culture and technological advancements. The MCTS later held a baseball equipment donation ceremony at the Educational Cultural Center Sports Stadium.
Following the ceremony, the Naval Academy drum and bugle corps, Navy band, Marine Corps honor guards, and Marine Corps martial arts team each gave performances. Members of the MCTS and Marshallese athletes also participated in friendly basketball and volleyball games.
The next day, the MCTS held a joint flag-raising ceremony. Marshall Islands Foreign Minister Kalani Kaneko and Taiwan Ambassador Herbert Hsu (徐蔚民) wished the MCTS a smooth journey ahead.
Marshall Islands Ambassador Anjanette Kattil told Taiwan News last year that the country works closely with Taiwan and other regional partners to monitor developments, protect its sovereignty, and promote regional transparency. Taiwan “remains a trusted partner” that has helped the country advance and withstand external pressures, “consistent with our priorities and the wider Pacific priorities” of the region, Kattil said.
