On February 5th, which marks the first work day in the lunar new year, Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Joseph Wu, extended his well wishes to the public for a successful start to the year. Amid the shifting global political and economic landscape this year, he believes that Taiwan will be presented with numerous opportunities.
In a Facebook post, Minister Wu noted that February 5th not only signifies the beginning of work after the Lunar New Year but also marks the start of the solar term “Li Chun,” indicating the end of winter and the commencement of spring. Despite the light rain falling from the sky, he sees it as an auspicious sign of prosperity ahead.
Minister Wu mentioned that during his visits to various departments on the first work day, he encountered many familiar faces. It turned out that it was also the day for the rotation of overseas personnel to return to their respective units. He witnessed several diplomats who had worked on special projects during their previous overseas assignments returning to the ministry to assist, while a group of diplomats had already been deployed to various embassies worldwide before the Lunar New Year.
“Facing the changes in the global political and economic situation this year, I believe this will bring many opportunities for Taiwan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will implement President Lai Ching-te’s policy vision of an unwavering commitment to economic diplomacy and values-based foreign policy. We will actively promote comprehensive diplomacy, deepen cooperation with allied nations under the ‘Alliance for Progress’ initiative, work hand in hand with democratic partners, and realize the vision of a new Taiwan in the world, and a new world for Taiwan,” Minister Wu stated.
Reflecting on his tenure as the Foreign Minister since last year, Minister Wu emphasized the essence of diplomacy as representing the country externally, uniting the people internally, and leading Taiwan onto the global stage. Despite Taiwan facing immense pressure from the Chinese Communist Party on the international front, he hopes to uphold the spirit of “flexibility and endurance, steady progress from a winding journey,” embodying the agility of a snake to chart new territories for Taiwan’s diplomacy in the coming year.
He also extended his well wishes to the public for good health, safety, and joy in the new year, emphasizing that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to strive diligently in the year ahead.