In Mainland China the communist regime celebrated its so called “National Day” with an extravagant military parade. In the Republic of China or Taiwan, as it is more commonly known, things were quite different.

This year Taiwan was badly hit by Typhoon Morakot which brought disaster to the island, with over 700 people dead or missing.

October 10th is national day in Taiwan, it is the day that Sun Yat-sen established the Republic of China on the mainland 98 years ago. The republic was forced to move to Taiwan after the Chinese civil war ended in 1949, yet still celebrates the holiday every year. This year celebrations aren’t being held.

In London, we asked Taiwan Representative to the UK Chang Siao-yue about the situation.

[Chang Siao-yue, Taiwan Representative to UK]:
“This year, indeed, because the Typhoon disaster in Taiwan was very serious, the government decided that this year we wouldn’t hold the National Day parties.”

This dinner, held by the Taipei representative office in London, was supposed to be a National Day party, but now has been turned into a fundraising event. Taiwanese people living in the UK have shown a lot of concern for their countrymen.

[Chang Siao-yue, Taiwan Representative to UK]:
“In another aspect, the Taiwanese living overseas have really taken the initiative and organized many fundraising activities, like jumble sales, etc… This has made me feel very moved.”

Taiwan is hit by two to three typhoons every year, yet they are not normally as destructive as this year’s Typhoon Morakot.

Ben Hedges, NTD, London.