Giant Taiwan Flag Flies Over Taipei Amid Tensions

Taiwan’s National Day celebrations in Taipei featured both a large-scale fireworks and drone show at Taipei 101 and the annual flyover of a giant national flag beneath a Chinook helicopter. The 14-minute Taipei 101 performance used 600 drones, lights and fireworks to depict Taiwanese cultural symbols and everyday foods. The helicopter-carried flag, flown over the Presidential Office as the national anthem is sung, has become a prominent expression of unity and sovereignty amid Beijing’s efforts to limit Taiwan’s international visibility. A participating pilot described seeing the flag displayed publicly as deeply moving, while the celebrations also included a scheduled address by President Lai Ching-te on policy and relations with China.