Taiwan’s 15th President, Tsai Ing-wen, officially stepped down from office today, May 20th. The 16th President, Lai Ching-te, and Vice President, Hsiao Mei-chin, were sworn in during a solemn and dignified ceremony in the morning. The military announced that following the ceremony, each unit promptly proceeded with the changing of the President’s portrait, affirming the military’s loyalty to the commander-in-chief.
According to the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of China’s guidelines on the hanging of the national flag, the portrait of the founding father, and the President’s portrait, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of National Defense and its affiliated institutions, forces and schools, Overseas Community Affairs Council, international airports, overseas embassies, representative offices, consulate offices, other authorized Ministry of Foreign Affairs institutions, overseas government agencies’ auditoriums, and other assembly venues are required to display the President’s portrait. Starting today, the portrait of President Lai Ching-te is being set up in various military units.
The Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of China issued a press release stating that the inauguration ceremony of the 16th President and Vice President of the Republic of China was held today. President-elect Lai Ching-te and Vice President-elect Hsiao Mei-chin were sworn in. Following the conclusion of the inauguration ceremony, all branches of the military proceeded with the changing of the President’s portrait, affirming the military’s allegiance in accordance with the nationalization of the military and constitutional principles.
The Ministry of National Defense announced today that in coordination with the inauguration ceremony preparations, under the theme of “Weaving Taiwan, Advancing Democracy,” besides supporting guard duties, ceremony music, and cannon salutes, the military jointly orchestrated performances such as the “Armed Forces Joint Musical & Ceremonial Drill,” “Helicopter Flag Display,” “Air Formation Display,” and “Thunder Tiger Team Performance.” Participating officers and soldiers demonstrated the effectiveness of their military training through practical actions, uniting in safeguarding the homeland.
The Ministry of National Defense provided details of the exhibition items for the inauguration celebration of the 16th President and Vice President of the Republic of China:
1. Armed Forces Joint Musical & Ceremonial Drill:
A total of 306 members of the Armed Forces Joint Musical & Ceremonial Drill team performed a medley and fancy rifle drill. The first half of the performance featured original compositions by Master Sergeant Li Yu-chuan, including the self-created piece “March Forward” and three classic military songs – “Soldiers of the Army,” “March of the Volunteers at Sea,” and “Ardent Aspirations.” This year marks the centenary of the founding of the Whampoa Military Academy, with representative songs from the army, navy, and air force to express the military’s priority of serving the people’s well-being, standing guard at all times to defend national sovereignty, and ensure people’s safety.
The second half of the performance seamlessly integrated five representative music pieces from different ethnic groups, including indigenous songs “Moon Dance” and “Millet Festival,” Hakka song “Hakka Sons Step Out,” Taiwanese song “Move Forward,” and the theme song “Hero’s Romance” from the movie “KANO.” Accompanied by diverse formations by the three armed forces, the display showcased the Armed Forces’ rigorous training and dedication to safeguarding democracy.
To coincide with the arrival of the President and Vice President at the celebration venue, the Artillery Battalion of the Guandu Area Command of the Army will perform the “Presidential Respect Song” together with the Armed Forces Joint Musical & Ceremonial Drill. With a firing interval of 3 seconds, the highest specification 21-gun salute will be executed, symbolizing the military’s respect for the commander-in-chief.
2. Helicopter Flag Display:
During the singing of the national anthem, a Chinook CH-47SD medium transport helicopter from the Army will hoist a huge national flag. Escorted by two UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and three AH-64E, AH-1W attack helicopters, and three Navy S-70C anti-submarine helicopters, they will fly in formation from north to south over the venue. With the national flag soaring high in the sky, it will showcase the grand military spectacle, boosting morale and fostering unity among the military and civilians.
3. Air Formation Display and Thunder Tiger Team Performance:
The Air Formation Display will feature formations of IDF, F-16, Mirage 2000 fighter jets, and the Brave Eagle high-performance aircraft, with each participating in five passes, flying in a V-formation from north to south over the Presidential Office, showcasing the Air Force’s heroic legacy and demonstrating reverence and welcome to the commander-in-chief and distinguished guests.
Before the conclusion of the event, during the choral stage, the Air Force Thunder Tiger Aerobatics Team will perform in a V-formation with AT-3 trainer aircraft, flying over the viewing platform area. Through precise formations and blue-white-red smoke patterns, they will bring an auspicious end to the inauguration and celebration of the 16th President and Vice President of the Republic of China, wishing for the prosperity of the nation and the well-being of all its people.