The 2026 Midshipmen Cruising & Training Squadron of the Navy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) concluded a historic three-day goodwill visit to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines from April 14 to 16, 2026. This visit served as a significant milestone to bolster the enduring friendship and celebrate the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, while showcasing the professional excellence of Taiwan’s naval forces.
The Taiwanese delegation was received with the high level of diplomatic protocol by the government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The visit was graced by the presence of H.E. Sir Stanley Kendrick John, G.C.M.G., K.C, Governor-General, the Hon. Major St. Clair Leacock, Acting Prime Minister, the Hon. Ronnia Durham-Balcombe, Speaker of the House, and the Hon. Louise Mitchell, Attorney General. Notably, the Squadron was welcomed by a grand assembly of more than ten Members of Parliament, reflecting the profound and "family-like" bond that defines the bilateral relationship as expressed by the Hon. Major St. Clair Leacock in his remark. He noted our 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties, lauding Taiwan as a steadfast force for good whose enduring commitment to the welfare of the Vincentian people have left a lasting impact on the nation's progress.
In her keynote addresses, H.E. Ambassador Fiona Huei-Chun Fan emphasized that the 45-year partnership is guided by mutual respect and an unwavering commitment to democratic ideals and national sovereignty. Highlighting landmark achievements such as the Argyle International Airport and the ongoing Arnos Vale Acute Care Hospital, the Ambassador looked forward to new frontiers in smart agriculture, healthcare innovation, and sustainable tourism. She expressed Taiwan’s heartfelt appreciation for the steadfast support of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the international community, noting that "we do not take this friendship for granted; we honor it; we cherish it".
The Squadron’s successful 50-day voyage across the Pacific and Caribbean was hailed as a powerful symbol of courage and resolve. Ambassador Fan underscored that for Taiwan, the Navy's presence is a reminder that "peace is never passive—it is protected and strengthened through resilience". Amid expanding authoritarian ambitions, Taiwan remains a resolute force for good, committed to upholding the rules-based international order and preserving the democratic values that define its society. The Ambassador also highlighted Taiwan’s pivotal role in the global semiconductor industry, which underscores the critical importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait for global prosperity.
On April 14, the Squadron was greeted with a vibrant display of Vincentian cultural dances, followed by a prestigious On-Board Cocktail Reception. Guests were treated to world-famous Taiwanese delicacies, including Bubble Tea, Oyster Thin Noodles, and Taiwan Beer. The evening featured a harmonious blend of performances from the Squadron’s live band and local cultural groups, symbolizing a "unity without boundaries".
The second day featured a Joint Ceremony of Honor Guard at the Arnos Vale Cricket Stadium, which saw more than 1,000 students from nearby schools fill the stands with electric energy. The young audience erupted in thunderous applause as they witnessed the precision drills of the Taiwan Navy Band and Honor Guard, and the high-energy martial arts performance by the Marine Corps Chikwondo Team. The joint performance with the SVG Police Band served as a powerful testament to the professional camaraderie and mutual respect between the two forces.
The visit concluded on the morning of April 16 with a solemn Joint Flag-Raising Ceremony. In her concluding remarks, Ambassador Fan noted that this visit—the first by a Taiwanese naval fleet in 21 years—marks not the end of a story, but the beginning of a new chapter in Taiwan-SVG relations. 
As the Squadron sailed out of Kingstown, the waving flags of both nations signaled a future of continued solidarity and shared success.
As the Squadron sailed out of Kingstown, the waving flags of both nations signaled a future of continued solidarity and shared success.
