TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Minister of Culture Li Yuan (李遠) stated on Wednesday (July 3) that the plan for relocating the honor guard drills from the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall has yet to be finalized, and discussions will proceed swiftly. He also emphasized that the honor guard will not face outdoor weather conditions.
The Ministry of Culture (文化部) and the Ministry of National Defense (國防部) are considering moving the honor guard drills outdoors. Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo (顧立雄) recently suggested Liberty Square (自由廣場) as the new location. However, recent high temperatures have raised concerns among legislators about the suitability of an outdoor venue.
During a report to the Legislative Yuan's Education and Culture Committee, Li confirmed the honor guard would leave the hall, though the final route remains undecided. He noted that under the Executive Yuan, the Transitional Justice Board must decide on the matter. Still, the Ministry of Culture's direction is clear.
Li mentioned that a task force formed a year ago set the goal of removing the honor guard to eliminate authoritarian symbols and personal worship. The original timeline was aimed at October, but Li will push for an expedited process.