10/10/2026
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10/10/2026
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TAIPEI, Oct 10: Taiwan marked its National Day on Saturday with celebrations in Taipei, bringing together local officials, foreign guests and visiting delegations for a ceremony outside the Presidential Office Building.
President Lai Ching-te delivered the keynote address, titled “Taiwan’s Future: A City upon a Hill, the Salt and Light of the World,” outlining priorities including public welfare, economic competitiveness, technological development and regional peace and stability. The programme also included receptions for foreign guests and a Japanese parliamentary delegation, with an evening reception and fireworks display scheduled as part of the celebrations, reports Reuters
In his address, Lai highlighted Taiwan’s economic performance, saying growth in the first half of the year reached 14.15 percent and could exceed 11 percent for the full year. He also outlined plans to strengthen the semiconductor and artificial intelligence industries, support small and medium-sized enterprises, improve wages, expand childcare and healthcare services, and ease housing costs.
The president emphasised the importance of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, welcoming dialogue between the United States and China to reduce the risk of conflict. Addressing cross-strait relations, he also spoke about Taiwan’s defence preparedness and its approach to maintaining regional stability.
Lai said Taiwan’s future should be built on economic strength, social well-being, innovation and international cooperation. He called for greater unity among the people, saying political differences should not prevent society from working towards shared goals.
The annual National Day celebrations, commonly known as Double Ten Day, commemorate October 10, associated with the 1911 uprising that led to the establishment of the Republic of China. This year’s programme showcased Taiwan’s cultural and social diversity alongside its economic achievements and international engagement.
