TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's head of state will be notably absent from a major international sporting event hosted on home soil this weekend. President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) has canceled his appearance at the opening ceremony for the 2025 World Masters Games (WMG, 2025雙北世界壯年運動會), a global competition for athletes over 30 years old, the Presidential Office announced Thursday (May 15). Citing unspecified "recent national affairs," Lai will deliver only a written congratulatory message to the event, which will proceed Saturday without either the president or Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰), Taiwan's head of government.
The government will instead dispatch Minister without Portfolio Shih Che (史哲), a cabinet-level official without specific departmental responsibilities, as its senior representative at the ceremony now rapidly approaching. Despite his personal absence, President Lai has directed government agencies to provide comprehensive support for venue preparation, allocating national resources and facilitating public-private partnerships to assist Taipei and New Taipei City, the co-hosting metropolitan areas. Taiwan's leadership continues to highlight the island's modern sports infrastructure, enthusiastic athletic community, and rich cultural heritage as key strengths for hosting the international competition.
Presidential spokespersons emphasized Taiwan's intention to build upon its track record of hosting international sporting competitions to guarantee operational excellence throughout the multi-day event. As final preparations intensify for Saturday's inaugural ceremony, organizers continue concentrating on showcasing Taiwan's distinctive capabilities as a world-class host. The capital region now enters the culminating phase of years-long preparations, with global attention poised to focus on the island nation's ability to execute a prestigious international athletic gathering despite its diplomatic isolation. ◼
