Source: Republic of China Taiwan
August 27, 2026
No. 064
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung was joined by colleagues on August 26 as he presided over the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Zhongyuan Pudu prayer ceremony on the eve of this annual festival.
The ceremony was attended for the first time by embassies and missions of 12 diplomatic allies and 12 friendly nations. Their presence at this traditional Taiwanese folk activity did much to promote cultural exchange and deepen friendship.
In addition to partaking in the traditional rituals of the ceremony, the guests from Saint Lucia, the Marshall Islands, Paraguay, Belize, Eswatini, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, South Korea, the Philippines, Canada, and other participating nations brought offerings that were presented alongside the flowers, fruits, vegetables, meats, and fish on display.
Among these guests, the representatives of Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines brought some of their nations’ most popular snack foods, while those from the United States and Canada offered beer and maple syrup, respectively. The gifts added an international touch to proceedings, symbolizing unity and shared prosperity.
In addition, Minister Lin specially prepared brightly colored bags of a well-known local snack printed with auspicious messages designed to invoke good fortune, peace, and prosperity. He presented these to ambassadors and representatives attending the event to convey his best wishes for their success and well-being.
Thanks to the invitations extended to foreign diplomats, this year’s observances not only helped uphold a traditional Taiwanese folk custom but also communicated that Taiwan cherishes its friendships with diplomatic allies and like-minded nations, as well as its hope that the international community will continue to advance understanding and jointly safeguard world peace through exchanges and cooperation. (E)