Tien, Chung-kwang
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of China (Taiwan)
November 29, 2024
(As Prepared for Delivery)
Ladies and gentlemen:
Good evening!
As the year is drawing to an end and the Christmas spirit fills us, I am delighted to once again participate in the annual Christmas lighting ceremony hosted by the Far Eastern Group. It is a pleasure to join fellow citizens and foreign friends from around the world who have gathered here to welcome the Christmas season.
I would like to thank the Far Eastern Group for holding this ceremony each year to share a message of hope and blessing. The theme for this year is “When love shines, happiness follows.” When projected onto the world stage, it carries profound significance. It symbolizes love from Taiwan that extends far and wide across all borders, as well as light from Taiwan that brightens all corners of the globe.
There have been tremendous changes at home and abroad this year. Through the concerted efforts of the people of Taiwan, we have overcome numerous challenges, achieved considerable success, and forged sincere friendships. At the WBSC Premier 12 tournament that concluded this past Sunday, Team Taiwan was crowned champion after competing against strong teams from other nations. This outstanding achievement once again put the international spotlight on Taiwan’s strength, vitality, unity, and confidence.
Taiwan successfully completed its presidential election earlier this year. Our society bravely demonstrated democratic resilience in the face of external threats and intimidation. When Hualien was hit by an earthquake in April, countries from all over the world expressed concern and provided assistance, which was a testament to the genuine friendship between Taiwan and these nations. For its commitment to international participation and humanitarian assistance in recent years, Taiwan has won over an unprecedented number of friends and made its voice clearly heard around the world. Whether it is on the international stage or in a competitive sports arena, we can hear people from home and abroad loudly chanting “chip in with Taiwan” or “Team Taiwan.” This shows that Taiwan is a reliable and capable global partner that enjoys true amity with all parts of the world.
On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I thank the people of Taiwan for affirming and supporting the values-based diplomacy, alliance diplomacy, and economic and trade diplomacy promoted by our government. Your backing has helped transform Taiwan into a pivotal force for advancing global peace, democracy, and prosperity. I also want to thank the ambassadors and representatives to Taiwan for serving as a bridge between Taiwan and making Taiwan part of the world community.
Meanwhile, I would like to congratulate the Far Eastern Group for winning more than 30 Taiwan Corporate Sustainability Awards and Global Corporate Sustainability Awards this year. When participating in the UNFCCC COP29, the group shared its experience in digital transformation, innovative management, and international engagement with other countries. Its endeavors complement the goals of our government’s integrated diplomacy and are a manifestation of Minister Lin Chia-lung’s firm belief that every citizen is a diplomat. By leveraging Taiwan’s industrial, economic, and technological strengths, the group has helped deepen our country’s international participation.
I wish you all a happy and peaceful Christmas holiday season. Let us hope that conflicts around the world will soon come to an end, so that people in war-torn regions can enjoy security, rebuild, and resume their lives. Lastly, may you all have a wonderful evening and your families be blessed with harmony.