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Taiwan celebrates National Day amid Chinese tensions


Published : 10 Oct 2024 10:07 PM

Taiwan celebrated its National Day on Thursday, facing ongoing threats from China, which claims the self-governing island as its territory. The festivities included military displays but notably lacked heavy equipment seen in previous years.

In his speech, President Lai Ching-te addressed China's threats while promoting cooperation on global issues such as fighting infectious diseases and maintaining regional stability. "We hope China will fulfil its international responsibilities and work with Taiwan to ensure peace and security," he stated.

This celebration marks the establishment of the Republic of China in 1911, following the overthrow of the Qing Dynasty. After losing the Chinese Civil War to Mao Zedong's Communists in 1949, the government relocated to Taiwan. The island transitioned to democracy in the 1980s and 1990s while still upholding the original constitution and the ROC flag.

President Lai, who took office in May, continues the Democratic Progressive Party's stance against recognising Taiwan as part of China. In response to China's military pressure, which included the incursion of 15 Chinese planes into Taiwan's airspace, Taiwan has bolstered its defence capabilities, ordering billions in military upgrades from the U.S.

China has threatened Taiwan with a possible trade blockade and financial instability, asserting that Taiwanese independence is a “dead end.” In response, Lai emphasised the need for resilience in national defence and economic stability, highlighting Taiwan's technological advancements, particularly in the semiconductor industry.

The U.S. has also ramped up military support for Taiwan, recently announcing $567 million in aid. This move prompted Beijing to warn that arming Taiwan could lead to war. 

Lai's assertion that the People's Republic of China is not Taiwan's "motherland" further strained relations.

Surveys by the Chicago Council on Foreign Affairs indicate strong American support for assisting Taiwan in a crisis, including military airlifts and sanctions against China. However, only about a third of Americans favour sending U.S. troops to Taiwan for defence.

As tensions mount, Taiwan's National Day serves as a reminder of its ongoing struggle for autonomy amid threats from China.