Credentials of new ambassadors to the ROC

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Ceremonial functions

A tri-service honor guard stands in front of the Main Entrance of the Presidential Office Building to welcome a newly appointed ambassador to the ROC.

Receiving credentials from a new ambassador is an important official ceremony for a nation's head of state, both in terms of formality and substance. Only after the completion of this ceremony is a new ambassador recognized as the representative of his or her nation. The ceremony fully confirms the authority of the new ambassador, and also affirms recognition of the nation and government that he or she represents. Consequently, the presentation of credentials by an ambassador is equivalent to the establishment, continuation, and strengthening of a diplomatic alliance between two countries. The protocol associated with the ceremony carries immense significance both symbolically and substantively.

Upon arrival in the ROC, a new ambassador first presents a copy of his or her letter of credentials to the ROC Minister of Foreign Affairs. A time is then arranged to present the original letter to the President.

Officials from the Office of the President and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs escort a newly appointed ambassador to the ROC in reviewing the honor guard.

On the designated day for the presentation of credentials, the Office of the President dispatches a limousine to pick up the ambassador. Upon arrival, the ambassador steps out of the vehicle at the Main Entrance to the Presidential Office Building and then reviews the honor guard and band. A tri-service honor guard comprising a company of troops and the military band is conducted by the major of the honor guard. The troops and the band stand in front of the Main Entrance, expressing welcome and respect to the ambassador. The ambassador walks over to where the honor guard and band are stationed. The troops salute and the band plays the anthem of the ambassador's nation. After the conclusion of the national anthem, the Director of the Department of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Deputy Director-General of the Third Bureau of the Office of the President escort the ambassador in reviewing the honor guard. The chief of the ceremonial section under the Office of the President then leads the ambassador into the Presidential Office Building through the Main Entrance and up the stairs to the Taiwan Heritage Room. The Director-General of the Third Bureau waits at the door to welcome the ambassador and escort the ambassador into the room for a brief rest.

A newly appointed ambassador to the ROC presents credentials and delivers laudatory greetings to the President.

The presenting of credentials is carried out in the President's Hall, which is across from the main entrance to the Taiwan Heritage Room. After the President, the Secretary-General to the President, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Director-General of the Third Bureau have all taken their positions in the President's Hall, the Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Department of Protocol escorts the ambassador into the hall and to a place about six steps in front of the President. The protocol director and the ambassador then bow to the President, after which the protocol director states: "The new ambassador to the Republic of China [name] from [nation] is to present his/her credentials." The ambassador then takes three steps forward. Holding the letter of credentials with both hands, he or she offers the letter and laudatory greetings to the President.

The President and a newly appointed ambassador to the ROC sit down for discussions.

The President then offers a letter of appreciation to the ambassador, shakes his or her hand, and invites the ambassador to take a seat for discussions. After the President welcomes the ambassador, the ambassador expresses desire to do his or her utmost to further promote the friendship between the two countries. Upon the conclusion of the talks, the President shakes hands with the ambassador and exits the room accompanied by a military attaché.

ROC officials congratulate a newly appointed ambassador to the ROC with a toast.

ROC officials pose for a photo with a newly appointed ambassador to the ROC.

The Secretary-General to the President, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Director-General of the Third Bureau offer their congratulations to the ambassador with a champagne toast and then take photos together. After exchanging pleasantries, the chief of the ceremonial section escorts the ambassador downstairs and back out the Main Entrance of the Presidential Office Building. As the ambassador walks in front of the honor guard and the band, the troops salute. The band plays the national anthem of the ROC. After the music is over, the protocol director and the Deputy Director-General of the Third Bureau accompany the ambassador to review the honor guard and band. Once this is completed, the ambassador returns to his/her residence.

Organization
of the Office
of the President

　
　
Senior officials

　
　
Advisors