Taiwan National Day Activities
During Taiwan's National Day celebrations, a giant Republic of China flag was hoisted by a helicopter over Taipei, showcasing the national symbol and becoming a visual focal point of this year's National Day activities.

TAIPEI — One of the most striking scenes at Taiwan’s National Day celebrations is a giant Republic of China flag suspended beneath a US-made Chinook helicopter as it flies over the Presidential Office. The display has been held annually since 2019, showcasing a national symbol during the National Day ceremony and national anthem while reflecting Taiwan’s emphasis on its political status and international visibility amid continued pressure from China.

According to a Reuters report, the flag measures 18 meters long and 12 meters wide. It is made from the lightweight, durable material used for parachutes and is suspended beneath the helicopter by a weighted, extended cable. The National Day flypast draws crowds and is among the most closely watched scenes of Taiwan’s annual celebrations.

Flag display becomes National Day highlight

Reuters reported that Taiwan’s Army arranges for a CH-47SD Chinook helicopter to carry the giant flag over the Presidential Office each year during National Day celebrations. One purpose of the flypast is to strengthen public identification with Taiwan against the backdrop of pressure from China.

Lin Chang-cheng, a pilot involved in the exercise, told Reuters that the flag is a tangible symbol of national sovereignty. He said Taiwan faces restrictions in the international community, making the public display of the flag particularly moving.

One spectator watching the exercise said the flag represented freedom, democracy and freedom of speech to him.

Taiwan’s international visibility remains in focus

The Chinese government claims Taiwan as part of China and continues to oppose Taiwan’s participation in international activities as a country. Reuters noted that Beijing has blocked the display of Taiwan’s flag at some international events. When Taiwan competes in the Olympics, it uses the name “Chinese Taipei” and a special emblem different from the Republic of China flag.

Taiwan is governed by a democratically elected government and is formally known as the Republic of China. In 1949, after losing the Chinese Civil War, the Republic of China government relocated to Taiwan; that same year, the Chinese Communist Party established the People’s Republic of China. To this day, the governments in Taipei and Beijing have not formally recognized each other.

The flag also carries different political and identity meanings within Taiwan. For some, it represents democracy, freedom and national sovereignty. Others who identify Taiwan as separate from China hold different views of the Republic of China flag.

National Day celebrations reflect Taiwan’s society and culture

Reuters noted that Taiwan’s National Day celebrations during the Cold War focused more heavily on military displays, while speeches at the time also emphasized “retaking the mainland.” In recent years, the celebrations have placed greater emphasis on culture, social identity and international visibility, with events including the flag flypast and fireworks at Taipei 101.

As cross-strait relations continue to draw international attention, how Taiwan presents its history, democratic system and national symbols remains an important backdrop to the National Day celebrations. The giant flag flying over Taipei is both a visual centerpiece of the ceremony and a reflection of the continuing debate in Taiwan over national identity and international participation.