On May 20, 2024, the inauguration ceremony of the 16th President of the Republic of China, Lai Ching-te, and Vice President Hsiao Mei-chin was held at 9 a.m. Both Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Mei-chin took oath in a solemn and grand ceremony. Following the oath-taking, Lai Ching-te delivered his inaugural speech.
The inauguration ceremony of President Lai Ching-te and Vice President Hsiao Mei-chin today saw the presence of dignitaries from diplomatic allies, including heads of state, as well as congratulatory delegations from countries such as the United States, Canada, and Singapore. Additionally, members of the European Parliament Taiwan Friendship Group, parliamentarians from the UK, Japan, Australia, and South Korea, among others, totaling 51 delegations and 508 guests from overseas, came to Taiwan to express their congratulations. Representatives from Taiwan’s major political parties, including Kuomintang Legislative Yuan Speaker Han Kuo-yu, Vice Speaker Chiang Chi-chen, People First Party Chairman Ko Wen-je, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, Taoyuan Mayor Chang Shan-cheng, and Taichung Mayor Lu Hsiu-yen, also attended the celebration.
The inauguration celebration of the President and Vice President of the Republic of China today included performances such as “Weaving Taiwan Together” and “Advancing Democracy.” The national military presented the highest military honor with a 21-gun salute, sang the national anthem, followed by the President’s inaugural speech, an aerial salute to the dignitaries, a grand chorus performance, and the much-anticipated appearance of the Thunder Tiger special forces unit as the climax of the event.