Remarks by Secretary General Daniel Kuo-ching Chen at the Far Eastern Group Christmas tree lighting ceremony

Remarks by Secretary General Daniel Kuo-ching Chen at the Far Eastern Group Christmas tree lighting ceremony

• Data Source：Public Diplomacy Coordination Council
• Date：2025-11-28

Daniel Kuo-ching Chen

Secretary General of Foreign Affairs

Republic of China (Taiwan)

November 28, 2025

(As Prepared for Delivery)

Chairman Hsu of the Far Eastern Group;

Mayor Chiang of Taipei;

Excellencies Ambassadors and Honorable Representatives;

Ladies and gentlemen:

Good evening.

It is an honor to be here on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) for this magical Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Together with the diplomatic corps, the people of Taiwan, and friends from all over the world, we are gathered in the sparkling city of Taipei to bid farewell to 2025 and welcome 2026 with peace and joy in our hearts.

I would like to begin by expressing my gratitude to the Far Eastern Group for hosting this annual ceremony. The theme this year is "Where Love Embraces the World, Hope Dwells by Our side." This reflects the dynamic state of affairs we experienced in 2025. Countries today are facing complex challenges. People long for a global community filled with love, peace, and hope. Realizing these things requires greater international collaboration.

We greatly appreciate the Far Eastern Group for its strong commitment to corporate social responsibility. The group has done much to advance social welfare, environmental sustainability, and good corporate governance. It has also been an outstanding ambassador of Taiwan's industrial strength, highlighting our nation's critical role in building key global industrial supply chains.

Such efforts match our integrated diplomacy. This approach stresses that every ministry is a foreign ministry, and every citizen is a diplomat. Through a public-private partnership, we are working to bolster our national power and expand Taiwan's international presence. On behalf of MOFA, I would also like to thank our fellow citizens for being such proactive members of Team Taiwan.

In this season of gratitude and blessings, we feel more intensely the bonds that connect Taiwan to the world. We have built a trusted partnership with friends and allies. When the world needs us, Taiwan is always there, a force for good offering a helping hand. And when our country faces difficulties, we enjoy the heartfelt support of friends from around the world. With them, we share our joys and sorrows. This creates a beautiful virtuous circle that serves as the cornerstone of a more peaceful, secure, and resilient world.

The Christmas season is a wonderful time for family and friends to reunite. It is also an opportunity to extend blessings. And so, on behalf of Minister Lin Chia-lung, I wish peace and joy to the world, and continued prosperity and success to Taiwan. May each of you find the light of hope and happiness within yourselves and embrace a brighter, more joyful future. Merry Christmas!