Lai Ching-te's First New Year's Flag-Raising Ceremony as President

TaiwanPlus News

After people rang in 2025 across Taiwan, thousands gathered at the Presidential Office for the country's traditional New Year's Day flag-raising ceremony. It was President Lai Ching-te's first New Year's flag-raising since taking office.

Transcript

00:00A new day, a new year.

00:14Thousands of people have gathered at Taiwan's presidential office to mark the first day

00:19of 2025 with the traditional flag-raising ceremony.

00:24People arrived before dawn, braving chilly weather to witness President Lai Ching-teh

00:27and Vice President B. Kim Hsiao ring in the new year.

00:31I haven't come to Taiwan for the new year in Taipei for a long time, so I thought I'd

00:34come and see it when I have time.

00:37It's a new year, so I thought I'd come and experience the flag-raising ceremony and

00:41feel it.

00:42It's my first time to see the 101 fireworks.

00:44I thought it was already 1 or 2 o'clock, so I thought I'd come and enjoy it.

00:47We have to walk to get here.

00:48We have to walk from Xinyi to get here.

00:50How long do we have to walk?

00:51One hour.

00:52One hour.

00:53Because we love our country.

00:54Taiwan number one.

00:56This is Lai's first New Year's flag-raising ceremony since becoming president.

01:01But he did attend last year in his capacity as vice president.

01:05In his first address to the nation in 2025, Lai wished the people a happy new year.

01:11Dear compatriots, we share joys and sorrows together.

01:16We share joys and sorrows together.

01:19We are a family.

01:22We are Team Taiwan.

01:25The celebrations started early and will continue on throughout the day.

01:29A highlight of this year's program is a performance from Indonesian migrant worker band Juba Hitam.

01:38Their inclusion highlights the important role migrant workers play in Taiwan's society.

01:43Aside from performances, there's also going to be a market, movie screenings and seminars.

01:48All to celebrate the beginning of 2025.

01:51Justin Woo and Leslie Liao for Taiwan Plus.

01:55For more information, visit www.taiwanplus.com

Category

Transcript

Recommended