Taiwanese Share Hopes for Country at New Year's Flag-Raising Ceremony
Thousands of people attended a flag-raising ceremony at the Presidential Office on New Year's Day. Many wished for peace and an end to fighting between the country's political parties. The event highlighted the contributions of healthcare workers and first responders, and included a performance by Amis singer Ado' Kaliting Pacidal, whose hometown of Fata'an Village in Hualien was devastated by deadly floods last year.
REPORTER:
A pre-dawn party outside the Presidential Office. This is how Taiwan rings in the new year.
Thousands of people came out in the rain to watch the New Year’s Day flag-raising ceremony and share their hopes for the country in 2026.
I’m wishing for more peace and for everything to go smoothly.
I’m wishing for world peace.
I’m wishing for peace and prosperity, that the political parties don’t fight, that the country can get better, and fewer natural disasters.
I think that life is already pretty good. I hope everyone can keep it this way.
I’m hoping for peace because there was a lot of [political] fighting in 2025.
No matter what side you’re on, Taiwan’s actually pretty chaotic, so I hope the country can move forward.
REPORTER:
The morning began with music from Taipei First Girls’ High School marching band and songs from Golden Melody Award-winner Ado’ Kaliting Pacidal honoring the strength of her hometown, Fata’an Village in Hualien, which was hit by deadly floods last year.
The theme of this year’s event: “Healthy Taiwan” -- promoting public health and exercise. Ultramarathon runner Tommy Chen led the national anthem, with healthcare workers joining the chorus.
Several runners in the crowd joined Chen as he set off on a 400-kilometer training run immediately after the ceremony.
Strong willpower is a driving force behind Taiwan’s progress. I think an ultra-marathon like this is a good sport to train oneself.
Only with healthy bodies can the country grow strong. Everyone needs a healthy body and mind.
REPORTER:
Later in the day, President Lai Ching-te also shared his hopes for the new year, touching on political divides in the legislature and Cabinet.
Lai Ching-te (TAIWAN PRESIDENT):
As dawn breaks today, I believe many people share the same sentiment: anticipation for a new beginning.
That the stalemate of 2025 will not carry over into 2026, and that the nation’s survival and development will no longer be blocked.
REPORTER:
The early-morning performances brought new perspectives on the country’s growth and challenges in the past year.
Now, with the highs and lows of 2025 in the past, people here seem hopeful they can move into the new year with a fresh slate.
