(Photo taken from the video released by the Presidential Office) (Photo taken from the video released by the Presidential Office)

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) -- Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) recorded a special video for her fellow citizens and overseas Taiwanese and Chinese worldwide, wishing them a productive and successful new year on Sunday night, the night before Lunar New Year's Eve.

Early in her remarks, she thanked the armed forces, police, firefighters, drivers, captains, pilots, and airport employees for their services during the Lunar New Year that enable people in Taiwan to have a secure and convenient vacation.

As Monday is the eve of the Lunar New Year, a holiday celebrated by ethnic Chinese worldwide, she took the opportunity to wished the people of Taiwan and ethnic Chinese friends around the world a Happy Lunar New Year in five languages: Mandarin, Taiwanese, Hakka, Cantonese, and Chaozhou.

Then she started to speak with political connotation.

“In Taiwan, we are able to maintain our cultural traditions, while also enjoying freedom and democracy. This is a blessing, and these are also the values that we Taiwanese are committed to upholding,” she said. “Those in places lacking democracy may not be able to understand this commitment.”

Hoping that ethnic Chinese all over the world can experience this blessing, she then made three New Year's wishes for them: “I hope that you may all enjoy democracy, freedom, and continued prosperity. In other words, I hope you have a great year.”

Finally, she welcomed all foreign visitors to Taiwan during the Lunar New Year. “I want to welcome you all to the most friendly country in the world to celebrate the Lunar New Year with us. Happy Lunar New Year!” she said.

(Video courtesy of the Presidential Office)