On January 1st, after the flag-raising ceremony in front of the Presidential Office of the Republic of China, President Tsai Ing-wen and Vice President Lai Ching-te held an open visit for the public from 9 am to 5 pm. They interacted with visitors and distributed spring couplets and red envelopes to wish everyone a Happy New Year.
President Tsai and Vice President Lai attended the flag-raising ceremony at the plaza in front of the Presidential Office of the Republic of China in the morning of January 1st. President Tsai delivered a speech titled “Nurturing National Strength with Democracy for the New Global Era” and answered questions from the media during the event.
Following that, President Tsai and Vice President Lai interacted with visitors at the Presidential Office of the Republic of China. President Tsai handed out spring couplets, Vice President Lai distributed red envelopes, and Secretary-General Pan Meng-an distributed limited edition Presidential Office snacks.
The Presidential Office of the Republic of China previously announced that besides showcasing animated films in the main hall of the Presidential Office, there will also be lectures on Taiwan’s modern history, music, and other related topics. The North and South Lawns will host agricultural products, cultural and creative markets, democratic stalls, showcasing Taiwan’s collective memories in the transition from authoritarianism to a democratic society.
Secretary-General Lee Hou-ching of the Chinese Culture Association mentioned that the Presidential Office will host open visit events in alignment with its permanent exhibition plans. Alongside the permanent exhibition, the theme “Ark of Democracy: Taiwan’s Sustainable Progress” will delve into Taiwan’s ecological diversity, the global importance of technology, and the values of Taiwan’s democracy and freedom. The New Year plans include markets, film screenings, lectures, providing an opportunity for the public to deepen their understanding of Taiwan’s democratic journey, taste Taiwanese agricultural delicacies, and appreciate Taiwan’s creativity.
Lee Hou-ching further explained that the New Year open house at the Presidential Office will consist of four sessions in the main hall. Attendees are required to pre-register for activities like the morning screening of the film “Magic Grandma ” and afternoon thematic lectures on “Building the Future,” “Taiwanese Manga Future,” and “Democratic Future.”
According to the Central News Agency, President Tsai interacted with citizens waiting in line to receive spring couplets. He greeted and wished the elderly good health, and playfully high-fived children, creating a relaxed atmosphere. Some citizens wished the president a Happy New Year, while others expressed their support. One individual encouraged, “Keep it up, Taiwan, stay brave!” A young student even jokingly told President Tsai, “I want to be president in the future too,” to which President Tsai gifted him a specially made Presidential Office shirt as a keepsake. Vice President Lai, dressed in a red jacket, exuded a fresh New Year vibe, offering New Year blessings to the public.