New York, October 4, 2026 – “Joy and celebration unite us all!” On October 3, under the bright sunshine and crisp autumn air in New York, the Overseas Chinese community in Queens celebrated the 115th National Day of the Republic of China with great enthusiasm. The grand ceremony was held in Flushing, with red and blue flags of the Republic of China and the United States waving in the wind both inside and outside the venue, echoing cheers of “Long live the Republic of China! Taiwan, keep it up!”
The day kicked off with a solemn flag-raising ceremony. At 9 a.m., hundreds of overseas Chinese gathered at the playground of PS 20 in Flushing, holding American and Republic of China flags. The scene was spectacular with flags fluttering, as attendees either gazed up at the flags or raised their phones to capture the moment of the flag-raising. Led by a flag squad of National Defense University alumni, 21 overseas Chinese organizations marched in, showcasing a mix of long-standing community groups, alumni associations, and young students studying abroad.
Following the playing of the U.S. and Republic of China national anthems, the stirring “National Flag Anthem of the Republic of China” accompanied the raising of the red flag with the blue sky as its backdrop. Side by side behind the stage hung the flags of the Republic of China and the United States, while the venue was adorned with small flags of both countries, exuding a festive atmosphere.
Director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York, Lee Chih-chiang, New York State Senator John Liu, and Chairman of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association Ng Jui-hsien attended the celebration to congratulate the 115th National Day of the Republic of China. They wished for prosperity and good fortune for the Republic of China.
Lee Chih-chiang expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming presence of overseas Chinese at the event. He highlighted the significance of 2026 being both the 250th anniversary of U.S. Independence and the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s first direct presidential election. He emphasized how Taiwan’s democratic resilience, through three peaceful transfers of power, has ingrained democracy in Taiwan’s DNA. Taiwan has become one of America’s top democratic partners, and the stark contrast in democracy and freedom between both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
Lee Chih-chiang mentioned that Taiwan currently ranks as the 4th largest trading partner of the United States, following Mexico, Canada, and Mainland China, despite Taiwan’s size being comparable to that of Maryland. He praised this as a remarkable achievement for such a small nation.
Presenter of the Wangjingzhi Committee for the celebration of the 115th National Day of the Republic of China, Wang Jinzhi, pointed out that Taiwan has weathered numerous challenges since its establishment, evolving into a modern, prosperous country with advanced technology. Taiwan has become an indispensable force in the global democratic camp, with industries like semiconductors reaching the international stage and its democratic electoral system serving as a model for the world – a foundation supported by overseas Chinese.
Wang Jinzhi continued by emphasizing the increasingly important role Taiwan plays in the world, thanks to the dedication of overseas Chinese who never forget to give back to their homeland, being a warm and powerful force in propelling Taiwan onto the global stage.
During his address, Ng Jui-hsien, Chairman of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, noted this was his seventh time participating in the Double Tenth National Day celebration in Queens over the past 20 years. As he spoke, applause filled the venue. He reflected on the connection between the founding father of the Republic of China, Dr. Sun Yat-sen, and the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association in New York, welcoming the public to join the celebration of Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s 160th birthday at the association on October 12.
Ng Jui-hsien welcomed new overseas Chinese participants, expressing hope that they would carry the spirit of freedom and equality of the Republic of China back to mainland China.
The enthusiasm was palpable among overseas Chinese at the event. Members of various organizations held up red banners under the sunlight, waving flags of the Republic of China and the United States. Both guests on stage and overseas Chinese in the audience raised their flags and cheered enthusiastically as the Republic of China flag ascended, with many emotionally shouting: “Unity for Taiwan, create a new future together! Long live the Republic of China! Taiwan, keep moving forward!”
After the flag-raising ceremony, the celebration continued with a grand ceremony and a Taiwan food expo. The celebration began with a lion dance performance by FASCA, cultural ambassadors of overseas Chinese youth in New York. Chairman Hsu Chia-ching of the Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission also sent a congratulatory video message, joining overseas Chinese in celebrating the Double Tenth National Day.
Following this, various overseas Chinese organizations took turns performing, with songs like “Blue Sky and White Clouds,” “Republic of China Ode,” and “Plum Blossom” filling the air, igniting the atmosphere with fervor.
Upon the commencement of the food expo after noon, over 20 booths offered a variety of Taiwanese, Hakka, and Southeast Asian cuisines, including beef noodles, Taiwanese braised pork rice, meatballs, grass cakes, Hakka mochi, and bubble tea, delighting the taste buds of attendees.
The traditional celebration of the Republic of China National Day by the Overseas Chinese community in Queens has continued for 30 years. With a large Taiwanese population residing in Flushing, Taiwanese immigrants began settling in Flushing since the 1960s and 70s, contributing significantly to the area’s development through business and property investments.
Not only Taiwanese overseas Chinese attended the flag-raising ceremony but also some overseas Chinese from Mainland China. They expressed their admiration for Taiwan as a democratic and free country, hoping that one day Mainland China would also embrace freedom and democracy.
Chen Wei from Nanjing stated, “I consider myself a resident of the territory occupied by the Republic of China on the mainland. I love the Republic of China, it is my homeland. During the 1948 Battle of Huai-Hai, there was a Nationalist Army unit living in our house, which we supported. I grew up listening to my grandmother tell that story, which is why I have a special attachment to the Republic of China. Taiwan is a democratic country, and I hope the Republic of China will unify the mainland. I believe the people of the mainland will welcome it with open arms and joy.”
Gu Yuncai from Jiangxi said, “Taiwan’s international status is crucial, with TSMC being the guardian of Taiwan, and the world’s reliance on Taiwan’s semiconductor industry. Taiwan’s economic growth rate is at 8.7%, showing that democracy and freedom not only provide sustenance but also serve as a driving force for technological research and development.”
Victor Cao, Secretary-General of the Overseas Chinese Committee of the Republic of China, rallied all Chinese nationals from the mainland, urging them to declare that the Republic of China is their country, emphasizing their allegiance to the Republic of China.