Taiwan Today

President Chiang Ching-kuo was sworn into of­fice May 20 at the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall in Taipei. In his inaugural address, he told the nation that "the Republic of China will never change its determination to remain in the democratic camp and oppose Communism." Citing the importance of Sino-American friendship, he said both will benefit from alliance and both would suffer from schism. Millions saw the ceremony on network or satellite TV.

 

 

 

 

 

President Chiang is congratulated by former President Yen Chia-kan, who retired because he thought the country needed the leadership of Chiang Ching-kuo in seeking national recovery at the earliest possible moment. The new chief of state escorts former President Yen from the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall after the ceremony. Families of the new President and Vice President Shieh Tung-min watch the inaugural ceremony. Among the other 2,000 spe­cially invited guests were diplomats, visit­ing dignitaries and overseas Chinese. Crowd in the square outside the Memorial Hall.

 

 

 

At President Chiang's request, the inaugural was brief, simple and solemn. The President and Vice President later were congratulated by foreign dignitaries, overseas Chinese and domestic leaders. Chiang Ching-kuo and Shieh Tung-min receive the good wishes of visitors, including Nobusuke Kishi and Ivory Coast Ambassador Pierre Nelson Coffi.  People's celebrations at Presidenial Building.