TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A group of politicians has teamed up with political talk show host Lee Cheng-Hao (李正皓) to promote Palau tourism via a social media campaign.

Lee, Legislator Wang Yi-chuan (王義川) and New Taipei City Councilor Chuo Kuan-ting (卓冠廷) invited friends such as DPP New Taipei City Councilor Chen Nai-yu (陳乃瑜) and former Legislator Chen Po-wei (陳柏惟), to visit Palau. They intend to utilize their social media reach and encourage people to vist the Pacific Island ally for their next vacation, CNA reported.

Wang said the five-day itinerary includes a meeting with Palaua President Surangel Whipps Jr. Palau. He has long been one of Taiwan's most important allies, Wang said.

Palau consistently supports Taiwan's international participation while also being a popular island destination for Taiwanese travelers. However, its tourism industry was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wang hopes the delegation’s efforts will reignite Taiwanese interest in Palau.

Chen pointed out that China is using tourism to pressure Palau into severing ties with Taiwan and often sends research vessels near Palauan waters. Strengthening Taiwan-Palau relations is more critical than ever, given the shared security threat, he said.

President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) visited Palau in December while touring Taiwan’s Pacific Island allies.