Taiwanese Navy makes goodwill visit

This afternoon naval ships from the Republic of China on Taiwan entered Belizean waters as part of a goodwill tour to strengthen diplomatic relations with countries in the region. The frigates Wu-Yi and Tzu-Yi and support ship Chen-Der have already stopped off in St. Vincent, Dominica, Grenada and Guatemala. Although the ships are anchored about five miles out, the Chinese Naval Academy Drum and Trumpet Band came ashore and entertained a small gathering at the Memorial Park.

Charles Tsai, Ambassador, Republic of China on Taiwan

“This visit at this time is called the cruising and training squadron 2001. It’s a goodwill visit to your beautiful country.

Jose Sanchez

“Will they take a look around the country?”

Charles Tsai

“They are going to Belize City and the Maya sites and also they are going to enjoy your world famous coral reef. I believe they will bring very beautiful memories to Taiwan and I believe they will come back again for the sightseeing and tourism here.”

Alan Usher, CEO, Ministry of National Security

“I think this visit is quite significant to Belize/Taiwan relations. We’ve had diplomatic relations with the Republic of China on Taiwan for quite some years now. If you look over the centuries of tradition, ships visits and naval visits are always used to show a closeness, a friendship, a brotherhood, a commonality of interest. I think that is what we see manifested here today. They’ve obviously put a lot of effort into it, they have two of their display bands on board and it was quite an outstanding performance.”

Over the next few days the over nine hundred male and female sailors will get a chance to do some sightseeing around the country. Their next stop will be Honduras followed by El Salvador.