October 10, 2015
No. 222
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) held the National Day Reception at the Taipei Guest House on the afternoon of October 10 to celebrate the 104th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of China.
The event was hosted by Minister of Foreign Affairs David Y. L. Lin and Mrs. Lin, and was attended by President Ma Ying-jeou and First Lady Chow Mei-ching, Vice President Wu Den-yih and Mrs. Wu, and Premier Mao Chi-kuo and Mrs. Mao.
The many foreign dignitaries present included Governor-General Sir Frank Kabui and Mrs. Kabui of Solomon Islands, Vice President Ricardo Antonio Álvarez Arias and Mrs. Álvarez of Honduras, Vice President Juan Eudes Afara and Mrs. Afara of Paraguay, Deputy Prime Minister Shawn Richards and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mark Brantley and Mrs. Brantley of Saint Christopher and Nevis, Deputy Prime Minister Paul Dlamini and Mrs. Dlamini of Swaziland, a delegation of more than 30 members of the Japanese Diet led by Representative Keiji Furuya, and Representative Madeleine Bordallo of the United States.
Food and entertainment were selected to develop the theme of this year’s reception—creating a new future together out of love for Taiwan. Local seasonal produce was used for the dishes to support local farmers and promote a low carbon diet. In addition to time-honored Chinese and Western dishes, a selection of delicacies from Taiwanese, Hakka, and indigenous traditions, as well as baked goods from the Children Are Us Foundation, and specialties from the internationally renowned Din Tai Fung Dumpling House were available. Furthermore, local artists created dough figurines, paper-cut silhouettes, and woven straw items, giving guests a glimpse into Taiwan’s folk arts.
A nine-member fusion band performed traditional classics and Western songs at the reception, using traditional Chinese and Western musical instruments. A troupe of Amis performers from Hualien and Taitung counties presented indigenous songs and dances in traditional costume. Another group of male and female singers performed well-known Mandarin, Taiwanese, and Western songs, showing off Taiwan’s diverse culture and creating a festive atmosphere.
Also attending the reception were delegations from diplomatic allies, important foreign dignitaries, ambassadors and representatives to the ROC, heads of government agencies, heads of local governments, elected officials, and various community leaders. The National Day reception concluded at 7 PM, with the more than 3,000 guests offering the nation their best wishes. (E)