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National Day 2026

Voices

Taiwan National Day light show to spotlight 30 years of democracy

Taiwan’s National Day celebrations will feature a presidential building light show starting October 7, with organizers unveiling a series of commemorative badges tracing three decades of direct presidential elections and democratic milestones. The National Cultural Association of Taiwan (NCAT) announced the main visual for the 2026 National Day Presidential Office Building light show on October 1, under the theme “Democratic Taiwan: Heartbeat of the World.” The display will weave together everyday “Taiwan-style” aesthetics such as the classic market bag and pink round banquet tables as it showcases the island’s digital heart, Team Taiwan, and democratic movements since the 1980s using light and shadow to connect the public with Taiwan’s democratic journey. NCAT Secretary-General Lee Hou-ching (李厚慶) said the association has held the light show every National Day since 2017; this year marks its 10th edition and coincides with the 30th anniversary of direct presidential elections. Designer Chiu Hsi-min (邱璽民), who created the main visual, embedded symbols such as the 1996 election ballot, “democracy rally car” commonly seen in street protests, rainbow flags, and the wild lily and sunflower associated with student movements. To complement the theme, the association commissioned Chiu and several young designers to produce 11 “Democratic Taiwan” commemorative badges depicting key events including the 1947 228 massacre, the 1979 Kaohsiung Incident, the 1987 end of martial law, the 1992 amendment of Article 100 of the Criminal Code, and the 1996 first direct presidential vote. The badges go on sale via capsule toy machines at 12 p.m. on October 2 and at booths along Ketagalan Boulevard during the show, which runs October 7-10 from 7-9:30 p.m.

WATCH: Taipei 101 unveils extended fireworks, larger drone show for Double Ten Day

With the Double Ten Day less than a month away, Taipei 101 is gearing up for another spectacular show. Video script: Taipei 101 will stage a 14-minute fireworks display and a 600-drone aerial show on the night of Oct.10, expanding last year’s program to mark the Double Tenth National Day. The event, set for 10 p.m., will again integrate the tower’s facade lighting to illuminate the city skyline. Organizers said the 2026 showcase will feature heavy motorcycles, drones, and the skyscraper as central visual elements, symbolizing diverse groups uniting their efforts to accompany Taiwan’s sustainable development, much like police officers who work around the clock to safeguard public safety while Taipei 101 stands as a beacon guarding the city. “To be honest, the National Day fireworks show puts me under even more pressure than Alex Honnold’s climb did,” Taipei 101 Chairperson Janet Chia (賈永婕) said. “In our third year, it’s imperative that we improve. Every day we illuminate a different color, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet.” Chia also teased a major Taiwanese singer for the New Year’s Eve show and highlighted record performance: 101’s mall posted NT$24 billion (US$756 million) in sales last year to become the island’s top single-store department store operator, while the observatory drew its highest post-pandemic traffic and office occupancy remained full. Reflecting on her tenure, she recalled early skepticism: “No one wanted to believe in me,” and said she told herself, “I just need to do it.” Asked about a possible extension, she replied, “I don’t know, and I have no such thought in mind. After all, beautiful women are pursued; I’m used to being pursued.”

President: Taiwan is committed to maintaining the status quo

President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) emphasized that a “democratic Taiwan” is a stabilizing force for peace in the region, pledging that the nation will remain committed to maintaining the status quo during his 114th National Day address on Friday—his second since taking office. In a speech titled “A New Taiwan Rises in a Time of Change,” Lai noted that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, a lesson that remains fresh in global memory. He expressed hope that China would renounce the use of force to alter the status quo across the Taiwan Strait so both sides can jointly safeguard peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Lai also recalled that September 10 marked a historic milestone when the number of days Taiwan has lived free from martial law officially surpassed those under it—symbolizing a full departure from authoritarianism and an embrace of democracy and hope. He said Taiwan, forged through hardship, stands as a beacon of light for others. “Democratic Taiwan is a crucial link for the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific and a responsible member of the international community,” Lai said. “We will uphold the status quo, ensure cross-strait peace, and promote the region’s prosperity. We look forward to the day when China takes responsibility as a major power and ceases distorting UN Resolution 2758 and World War II history.” He also highlighted Taiwan’s strong economic performance, pledging continued investment in semiconductors, ICT, and biotechnology to usher the nation into an era of smart innovation. Lai said the new defense budget would accelerate high-tech defense development, strengthen cooperation with allies, and build trust among free democracies. Concluding his remarks, Lai thanked the “superheroes of disaster relief” who aided recovery efforts after recent disasters, saying their compassion reflects the greatness of Taiwan. He vowed to lead the nation with unity and courage toward a brighter future.

Turkey, New Zealand, Australia offices mark Taiwan’s National Day

Overseas offices in Turkey, New Zealand, and Australia marked Taiwan’s 114th National Day this week with themes of resilience, democracy, and international cooperation. In Ankara, Representative Huang Chih-yang (黃志揚) told Turkish officials and business leaders that Taiwan remains resilient amid global challenges, noting that the island produces more than 90 percent of the world’s AI servers and chips. Speaking in Turkish, Huang said Taiwan’s trade surpluses with both the United States and China are projected to exceed US$100 billion each by 2025. He also presented the Grand Medal of Diplomacy to former Turkish Trade Office representative Muhammed Berdibek for advancing Taiwan–Turkey relations. In Wellington, Representative Joanne Ou (歐江安) thanked New Zealand lawmakers for supporting peace across the Taiwan Strait and opposing the use of force to change the status quo. Citing a 50 percent rise in bilateral trade since the 2013 Taiwan–New Zealand Economic Cooperation Agreement, she urged continued support for Taiwan’s bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. Ou also praised New Zealand’s backing of Taiwan’s participation in regional and global organizations. In Canberra, Representative Douglas Hsu (徐佑典) told an audience of lawmakers, diplomats, and community leaders that Taiwan will continue to serve as part of the “democratic value chain” in the Indo-Pacific. Hsu highlighted cooperation with Australia in renewable energy and technology supply chains and said the two sides recently renewed a memorandum of understanding on energy cooperation. He also thanked Australia for its support following a recent typhoon in Taiwan.

Taiwan highlights shared security challenges at National Day event in France

At this year’s National Day reception hosted by the Bureau de Représentation de Taipei en France on Wednesday, Taiwanese Representative to France Hao Pei-chih (郝培芝) noted that Europe is currently facing gray-zone harassment from Russia and said Taiwan is willing to share its experience in countering similar tactics from China. Taiwan–France relations have made significant strides in recent years, with the annual National Day reception in Paris attracting large numbers of distinguished guests, including French officials, artists, and cultural figures. Chair and Vice Chair of the Taiwan–France Friendship Group in the French National Assembly Marie-Noëlle Battistel and Rachid Temal were also in attendance. Speaking at this year’s event, Hao highlighted that 11 European countries have recently been subjected to complex threats such as Russian drone intrusions, submarine cable sabotage, and election interference through disinformation campaigns. Hao said that while this is a new experience for Europe, gray-zone harassment has become a near-daily occurrence for Taiwan. She also emphasized Taiwan’s leading advantages in high-tech industries, particularly in semiconductors and chip manufacturing, and its willingness to work with France and the rest of Europe to build a non-red supply chain. Battistel and Temal also spoke at the event, reflecting on their recent visit to Taiwan and underscoring the importance of continued bilateral cooperation. Both emphasized the strong and expanding ties between the two nations — spanning culture, trade, and parliamentary diplomacy — and reaffirmed France's firm support for Taiwan amid global uncertainties.

TECOs in Malaysia and the United States host Double Ten Day celebrations

As Double Ten Day approaches, celebrations have been taking place in other countries, including Malaysia and the United States. Following South Korea’s National Day reception at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Busan last Friday, the TECO in Malaysia held a similar event on Tuesday evening at the JW Marriott Hotel in Kuala Lumpur. Ambassador Phoebe Yeh (葉非比) spoke on Taiwan and Malaysia’s cooperation in areas such as trade, education, culture, and tourism, highlighting how bilateral trade is on track to reach a record high of US$39.1 billion. She emphasized Taiwan’s key strategic position in the Asia-Pacific region, saying more and more countries are publicly expressing support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international affairs and for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Meanwhile, the TECO in New York also held a reception on Tuesday at the Mandarin Oriental in Manhattan’s Upper East Side to celebrate National Day. There, Director James Lee (李志強) expressed his gratitude for the support of allies and like-minded countries during the UN General Assembly, where several representatives recently spoke out in support of Taiwan and rejected UN Resolution 2758. Lee stressed that a free and democratic Taiwan is in everyone’s best interest.