A giant Taiwan flag suspended beneath a US-made military helicopter has become one of the most striking features of the island’s National Day celebrations, despite Beijing’s objections to the flag being displayed internationally.
Since 2019, Taiwan’s military has flown the enormous flag beneath a CH-47SD Chinook helicopter over the presidential office in Taipei as the national anthem is performed during the October 10 celebrations.
The annual display is intended to strengthen national unity amid mounting pressure from China, which claims Taiwan as its territory.
President Lai Ching-te is scheduled to deliver a keynote address on Saturday morning, outlining his policy priorities and addressing relations with Beijing.
China has stepped up efforts to prevent other countries and international organisations from engaging with Taiwan. These include attempts to restrict the display of Taiwan’s national flag at international sporting events, where the island competes as “Chinese Taipei” and uses a specially designed emblem.
Neither Beijing nor Taipei formally recognises the other government.
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office did not respond to a request for comment on this year’s National Day celebrations. After Lai’s speech last year, Beijing branded him a “troublemaker, creator of danger and a war-maker”.
Lin Chang-cheng, a 40-year-old helicopter pilot who took part in rehearsals this week, described the flag as a tangible symbol of national sovereignty.
“This is especially true given that we have actually suffered a lot of suppression in the international community, so when we see the national flag being displayed, it’s an extremely moving moment,” he told Reuters at Taipei’s Songshan Airport.
Taiwan’s National Day marks the anniversary of the 1911 uprising that led to the overthrow of China’s last imperial dynasty and the establishment of the Republic of China.
The Republic of China government retreated to Taiwan in 1949 after losing the Chinese Civil War to Mao Zedong’s communist forces, which established the People’s Republic of China. The Republic of China remains Taiwan’s official name.
Measuring 12 metres by 18 metres, the flag is suspended from a long, weighted cable beneath the helicopter. It is made from the same durable, lightweight material used in parachutes.
Although the Republic of China flag remains a contested symbol within Taiwan, particularly among those who advocate a distinct identity separate from China, its appearance above Taipei continues to draw excitement from spectators watching from the surrounding hills.
Hsiao Shao-chun, 44, who watched the rehearsals on the outskirts of Taipei, said the flag represented fundamental democratic values.
“When I see the Taiwan flag, I feel that it represents freedom, democracy and freedom of speech,” he said.
During the Cold War, Taiwan’s National Day celebrations were heavily focused on military displays, with speeches centred on the goal of retaking mainland China.
Today, the event places greater emphasis on showcasing Taiwan’s soft power and international visibility, with festivities also including a fireworks display at Taipei 101, one of the world’s tallest buildings.
