Seventy years ago the Father of the Republic of China, Sun Yat-sen, led a revolution which over threw a tyrannical government, establishing, in its place, a free democracy—the first democratic republic in Asia. And with it, a set of principles to govern this new nation was incorporated—San Min Chu I, or the Three Principles of the People.
Now situated on the island base of Taiwan, the Republic of China is celebrating the 70th anniversary of this historic event. What is most noticeable is the result of the application of the Three Principles over the past thirty years: the armed forces are modern and strong; economic development has progressed; the agricultural and industrial work forces have prospered; and locally-elected city and county governments demonstrate the vigor of self-rule. It contrasts sharply with Mainland China, whose failed policies and Marxist dogma have resulted in upheaval, poverty and oppression for tens of millions of Chinese.
President Chiang Ching-kuo has emphasized that the Three Principles will be the guiding force for a reunited China, summoning the same revolutionary spirit which ended the imperial dynasty at the beginning of this century. Speakers commemorate strengthening of the will of the people in the struggle to achieve this goal, and cited the decade of the eighties as critical witness to the overthrow of the Chinese Communists. Overseas Chinese, too, joined in the effort to rekindle the spirit of freedom for those entrapped in Mainland China.
From the beginning of October, the multi-colored Free Chinese flag could be seen fluttering everywhere in the breeze across Taiwan. Colored lights were strung along streets, promenades in cities and towns, and on shops and houses. The bulbs, twinkling into the night, brightened the holiday and symbolized the Free Chinese concern for their compatriots on the Mainland.
The fact that the ROC is still spiritual home to Chinese abroad was clearly indicated by the ten's of thousands who returned to take part in the celebration, representing the ten's of millions of ethnic Chinese all over the world.
Distinguished guests included the President of Costa Rica, former envoys to China, former commanders and members of the U.S. Military Assistance Advisory Group, and more than 180 foreign correspondents who came to cover the celebrations.
Opening ceremonies were held at the Grand Hotel, a traditionally architected landmark in Taipei. Later, other ceremonies took place at the Presidential Plaza in downtown Taipei. Over ten thousand members of the armed forces marched in parades. The soldiers, clad in sparkling uniforms and marching in exacting cadence, dramatized patriotism and allegiance to the ROC, the spirit of the occasion. Armored vehicles, missiles, and other military hardware—much of which was designed and manufactured in the ROC—underlined the capabilities for national defence, and concurrent hope and confidence in the country's future.
Led by President Chiang Ching-kuo in attendance at the reviewing stands were members of the public and overseas Chinese visitors, members of the defense establishment, heads of governmental departments, representatives of central and local governments, and foreign envoys—a grand total of over forty-thousand. Much of the country viewed the festivities from the vantage point of their living-room TV sets.
When the parade passed the Costa Rican President Rodrigo Carazo Odio, he remarked that he believes that the Chinese people "feel strongly about their heritage and are thus, a closely-knit group." The military on parade suggest the value of ROC strength on the international scene," he said.
The last American envoy to the ROC, Leonald Unger, had witnessed national day celebrations before. Nevertheless, he stated, "This is the prettiest, most impressive display I've ever seen."
A group of freedom-seeking Chinese who had fled from Communist China had never before seen "Such a magnificent spectacle." Not only had they never seen as modern military equipment, they said, but the highly-spirited response of the spectators to the parade left an indelible impression. On hand was a former Chinese Communist who fled the Mainland, defecting in Paris. Noting the strict discipline of Free China's military, he commented that the obvious "enthusiasm generated by the people here in attendance makes my realization even stronger that the hope of our compatriots on the Mainland rests with Taiwan."
[Picture Caption]
On October 10th, tens of thousands of Chinese and foreign guests and local people came out to watch the ceremonies marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of the ROC. President Chiang is seen waving to the crowds.
1. Selected members of all branches of the military form the honor guard. 2.3. The army is the vanguard in the fight against Communism. 4. Women students file past the reviewing stand. 5. These soldiers are part of the self-defense unit of the offshore island of Matsu who, throughout their lives, have had to live with the threat of enemy shellings. 6. This is the first time that M110's have been presented to the public. 7. President Chiang.
1.2. Modern armored units on parade. 3. Members of the amphibious corps—the famous "frogmen". 4. President Chiang is presented with a model tank symbolizing fourteen real ones bought with voluntary donations from the people. 5 Middle-range missiles primarily for surface-to-surface use. 6. These surface-to-air missiles were designed and constructed in the ROC. 7. The massed firepower of "honeycombed" rockets. 8. Members of the military stand at attention during closing ceremonies.
Thousands of Chinese and foreign guests turned out for the celebrations. 1. Ribbons of people form a highly colorful star. 2. Competitors in the international women's soccer tournament. 3. An honor guard from one of Taipei's all-girls' schools. 4. Young students demonstrate their talents with swords. 5. The famed Chinese dragon-dance. 6. Young acrobats. 7. A lion-dance.
1. Exhibitions on the evening of October 10 were performed at the China Sports and Cultural Center 2. Held on October 9, these performances welcomed returning overseas Chinese. 3. The Presidential Mansion and Plaza lit up the night. 4. A multi-colored fireworks display emblazons the heavens. 5. President Chiang speaks to the nation on the morning of October 10. 6. The President greets distinguished guests and diplomatic officials. 7. All-American Miss Chinatown, U.S.A., Miss Pan Yi-hwa, shown during National Day celebrations.
On October 10th, tens of thousands of Chinese and foreign guests and local people came out to watch the ceremonies marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of the ROC. President Chiang is seen waving to the crowds.
On October 10th, tens of thousands of Chinese and foreign guests and local people came out to watch the ceremonies marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of the ROC. President Chiang is seen waving to the crowds.
Selected members of all branches of the military form the honor guard.
The army is the vanguard in the fight against Communism.
6. This is the first time that M110's have been presented to the public.
The army is the vanguard in the fight against Communism.
Women students file past the reviewing stand.
These soldiers are part of the self-defense unit of the offshore island of Matsu who, throughout their lives, have had to live with the threat of enemy shellings.
Modern armored units on parade.
Modern armored units on parade.
Members of the amphibious corps—the famous "frogmen".
President Chiang is presented with a model tank symbolizing fourteen real ones bought with voluntary donations from the people.
Middle-range missiles primarily for surface-to-surface use.
These surface-to-air missiles were designed and constructed in the ROC.
The massed firepower of "honeycombed" rockets.
Members of the military stand at attention during closing ceremonies.
Ribbons of people form a highly colorful star.
Competitors in the international women's soccer tournament.
An honor guard from one of Taipei's all-girls' schools.
Young students demonstrate their talents with swords.
The famed Chinese dragon-dance.
Exhibitions on the evening of October 10 were performed at the China Sports and Cultural Center.
Held on October 9, these performances welcomed returning overseas Chinese.
The Presidential Mansion and Plaza lit up the night.
A multi-colored fireworks display emblazons the heavens.
President Chiang speaks to the nation on the morning of October 10.
The President greets distinguished guests and diplomatic officials.
All-American Miss Chinatown, U.S.A., Miss Pan Yi-hwa, shown during National Day celebrations.
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