KMT Hosts Flag-Raising Ceremony for ROC’s 109^th National Day

KMT Culture and Communications Committee

October 10, 2020

Today (10/10), the Kuomintang (KMT) hosted a flag-raising ceremony at KMT headquarters for the Republic of China’s (ROC) 109^th National Day. In his speech, Chairman Johnny Chiang Chi-chen acknowledged that the KMT has faced many challenges this year, ranging from the general and local elections loss to the aggressive control of national resources by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). The KMT has never and will never back down in the face of hardship. In times of hardship and setbacks, there will always be learning and growth. By holding firmly onto our goals and implementing reforms, we will once again win the trust of the ROC citizens.

Chairman Chiang was accompanied by former KMT Chairmen, Ma Ying-jeou and Wu Den-yih, Secretary General Lee Chien-lung, as well as members of the Central Standing Committee and Senior Directors of party affairs. Many wore t-shirts emblazoned with the ROC flag and the words “ROC FOREVER”. Hundreds of patriotic citizens joined the event to pay their respect to our nation and flag.

Chairman Chiang indicated that the ceremony was held not just to celebrate the National Day of the ROC but also to honor the martyrs who helped lay the foundations of our nation. Chiang emphasized that the ROC is not just a title, regime, or state, but also a set of values which the founding fathers of our country longed for when standing up against feudalism, colonialism, and tyranny: liberty, equality of nations, and welfare and livelihood. When the KMT says we ought to defend the ROC, we are talking about defending these values!

Chairman Chiang noted that this was a particularly challenging year for the ROC. The country has faced tensions from an ongoing trade war, prepared extensively for the pandemic, confronted the prospects of a new cold war, and experienced increasing risk of conflict in the Taiwan Strait. These challenges have brought changes and complicated interpersonal and international relationships for everyone, including the KMT.

Chairman Chiang emphasized that the KMT has faced many trials and tribulations but has always been able to weather the toughest circumstances through resilience and perseverance. “During the revolution, we failed ten times before we succeeded. After the formation of the ROC, we launched the Northern Expedition against the regional warlords and prevailed. When the Japanese invaded, we rallied against them and eventually triumphed. When we came from mainland to Taiwan after the civil war, we established the model for a free China. During the 1970s, when we experienced predicaments in our diplomatic affairs, we built a democracy, transitioned into an economic powerhouse, and became a country worthy of being admired on the world stage.”

Up to today, the KMT remains steadfast and committed to the ROC ideals and values. The KMT will always aim to uphold the highest standards as a beacon of freedom for Chinese communities all over the globe. With these ideals in mind, we will grow in hardship and learn in failure.

Chairman Chiang reminded the DPP that it is because of the hard work of the ROC founders and martyrs that we are able to celebrate National Day, regardless of party affiliation. Not only is Double Tenth Day a time to celebrate the 109^th National Day of the ROC, it is also a mainstream concept that the DPP has been reluctant to recognize. Chairman Chiang sincerely hopes that when the ruling party celebrates National Day, it can fully consider its relationship with the ROC rather than remaining in its current one-sided state.

Lastly, Chairman Chiang expressed his gratitude towards everyone who attended the event and all those in support of the ROC. Even as the KMT faces challenges, there are loyal supporters who accompany the KMT every step of the way, through highs and lows, in office and in reform. Looking ahead, we must emphasize the ROC as our core value. In unity there is strength. Long live the ROC! ROC Forever!