Giant Taiwan flag flies from helicopter for national day, defying Beijing

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Taiwan Flies Giant Flag for National Day as President Vows Defenses

   Taiwan marked its national day by flying a 12m by 18m flag beneath a US-made Chinook helicopter over Taipei, defying international display bans driven by Beijing. During the celebrations, President Lai Ching-te delivered a speech stating that the island cherishes peace but will not surrender its freedom. Lai urged Indo-Pacific democracies to unite following a recent Trump-Xi summit to maintain regional stability. Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that 228 foreign guests attended the Republic of China National Day events in Taipei.

   Why it matters

   The aerial display of the massive banner has become an annual tradition since 2019, utilized by Taiwan's military to foster national unity against escalating pressure from Beijing. President Lai framed the island's ongoing efforts to boost defense spending as a necessary measure to deter war rather than act as a provocation. Meanwhile, Beijing slammed the address, accusing the Taiwanese leadership of harboring ulterior motives.

   What is confirmed

   • A giant Taiwan flag measuring 12m by 18m was suspended from a US-made Chinook helicopter and flown over Taipei for the national day.
   • Taiwan's army has flown a massive flag beneath a helicopter every year since 2019 to boost unity amid rising Chinese pressure.
   • President Lai Ching-te stated in his National Day address that Taiwan cherishes peace but will not give up its freedom.
   • A total of 228 foreign guests attended the 2026 ROC National Day celebrations, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
   • Beijing slammed the statements made by Taiwan's leadership, citing ulterior motives.

   What to watch next

   • Further official responses from Beijing regarding President Lai's National Day address and defense spending plans.
   • Additional diplomatic reactions from Indo-Pacific democracies and the United States.
   Sources used for this update (21)

   1. Reuters — Giant Taiwan flag flies from helicopter for national day, defying Beijing
   2. Reuters — Taiwan president to say boosting its defences is not 'provocation'
   3. Focus Taiwan - CNA English News — 228 foreign guests to attend 2026 ROC National Day celebrations: MOFA
   4. Investing.com — Taiwan cherishes peace but will not give up its freedom, president says By Reuters
   5. Bradenton Herald — Taiwan cherishes peace but will not give up its freedom, president says
   6. Bloomberg.com — Taiwan’s Lai Urges Democracies to Unite After Trump-Xi Summit
   7. Yahoo — Taiwan's Lai calls on Indo-Pacific democracies to help maintain peace in National Day speech
   8. Al Jazeera — Taiwan president says defence spending boost aims to ‘deter war’
   9. Focus Taiwan - CNA English News — Full text of President Lai Ching-te's National Day address
   10. NBC News — Taiwan cherishes peace but will not give up freedom, president says
   11. Reuters — Taiwan won't give up freedom, Lai says; Beijing slams 'ulterior motives'
   12. AP News — Taiwan’s Lai says the island will not give up its freedom in National Day speech
   confidence 100%