Thursday, September 17, 2026
YAP STATE —September 15, 2026 — “Yap is willing and ready to host events or activities similar to the program in the future.” — Hon. Victor Bamog, Chairman, Yap State 11th Legislature, emphasized during the closing ceremony of the FSM delegation’s workshop in the People’s Republic of China.
A delegation from the 11th Yap State Legislature, consisting of Hon. Bamog, Hon. Mafel, Hon. Laamar, Hon. Ramoloilug, IT Jovanna, and Asst. Chief Clerk Noel, participated in the Workshop on Friendly Exchanges for Members of the FSM Congress and State Legislatures from August 24 to September 7, 2026, traveling through Beijing, Ningbo, Zhoushan, and Hangzhou. The delegation departed Yap on August 19 and returned on September 13.
The workshop included official meetings, lectures, cultural and historical visits, and exchanges with Chinese national and provincial institutions. Topics included China’s political system and governance, whole-process People’s Democracy, China–FSM relations, economic development, international development cooperation, climate change, marine development, traditional culture and heritage, grassroots governance, rural revitalization, and technology.
During the Beijing portion of the program, the delegation engaged with representatives of the National Academy of Governance, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Commerce, China International Development Cooperation Agency, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, and National People’s Congress. The delegation also visited the Palace Museum, Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, and other cultural and historical sites.
In Zhejiang Province, the delegation visited sites in Ningbo, Zhoushan, Shengzhou, and Hangzhou, focusing on marine economic development, port infrastructure, traditional culture, grassroots governance, rural revitalization, smart city development, and technology.
At the closing ceremony, FSM Congress Speaker Hon. Esmond Moses expressed appreciation for the program and emphasized continued progress in relations between the FSM and China. He encouraged future exchanges involving both national and local governments and proposed that Chinese representatives visit the FSM for a similar experience.
Chairman Bamog expressed appreciation to the sponsors, organizing team, and individuals who supported the delegation throughout the program. He also expressed hope that the friendship developed through the exchange would continue to flourish and that similar future exchanges could take place.
Mr. Guo Yifeng, Division Director of the Second Division of International Training at the International, Hong Kong and Macao Training Centre, expressed appreciation for the FSM delegation’s visit and highlighted the opportunity to share experiences from different areas of Zhejiang Province, including its ports, culture, infrastructure, heritage, and democratic practices.
Ms. Cai Heping, Director General of the International, Hong Kong and Macao Training Centre, congratulated the participants on completing the program and identified four areas of deeper understanding gained through the workshop: China’s political system; Chinese culture and heritage; shared concerns and areas of cooperation, including marine-related matters; and strengthening and deepening friendship between the FSM and China.
Following the conclusion of the China program, the delegation traveled through Seoul and Guam on its return to Yap. While in Guam, members of the delegation also participated in an informal virtual meeting with Yap State officials and Yapese residing abroad concerning questions and concerns related to the upcoming elections.
The delegation arrived back in Yap on the morning of September 13, 2026, concluding the official travel.
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