Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

Upon completion of the cannon salute and music, the band plays the national anthem of each country, with the anthem of the visitor's nation played first, followed by the ROC national anthem. During the ceremony and throughout the playing of the national anthems, the leaders of the two nations stand at attention with their right hands placed over their hearts.

After the anthems, the President escorts the visitor past the band and the honor guard, led by the captain of the honor guard. The makeup of the honor guard and its size vary based on the person receiving the honors. A foreign head of state is greeted by a tri-service honor guard comprising a platoon each from the army, navy, and air force, and the head of the honor guard is a colonel. The honor guard represents the military, and each individual is carefully selected and must undergo strict training and pass many hurdles before being deemed qualified. In addition to offering the highest respect to the visitor, the honor guard demonstrates the fine training and strength of our nation's armed services. In so doing, it displays the nation's might and bolsters troop morale.

After inspecting the troops, the President delivers welcome remarks, after which the foreign leader speaks. A foreign head of state who is officially visiting the ROC for the first time receives a key to the city from the mayor. Due to Taipei City’s limited land area, surroundings, and traffic conditions, there are very few sites suitable for the conduct of military honors. Most ceremonies are held at the main Plaza of the National Performing Arts Center in downtown Taipei, and the mayor of Taipei presents the key to the city.