National Day of Taiwan

TAIWAN’S Double Ten Day commemorates the start of the Wuchang Uprising of October 10, 1911, which led to the downfall of the Qing Dynasty in China and formation of the Republic of China on January 1, 1912. The government lost control of mainland China in the Chinese Civil War, fleeing to Taiwan Island in December, 1949. The National Day is now mainly celebrated in Taiwan, but is also celebrated by some overseas Chinese.

The celebration begins with the raising of the flag along with a public singing of its National Anthem in front of the Presidential Building. Festivities may include aspects of traditional Chines and/or Taiwanese culture, such as lion dances and drum teams, and cultural features from Taiwanese aborigines have been integrated into the celebration in recent years. Fireworks displays are held in the major cities of the island.

Taiwan’s neighbors include the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to the west, Japan to the northeast, and the Philippines to the south. It has an area of 35,883 square kilometers and lies some 180 kilometers southeast of mainland China.

The strong Taiwan economy, particularly in manufacturing, attracts labor from the Philippines. Most Filipinos working in Taiwan are employed as factory workers, domestic workers, construction workers, fishermen, and professionals. Since November 1, 2017, Filipinos have enjoyed a visa-waiver for entering Taiwan for tourism and business purposes up to 14 years. It was due to expire last July 31, 2018, but was extended until July 31, 2019.

We greet the people and government of Taiwan, led by President Tsai Ing-wen, on the occasion of its National Day.