On October 10, Taiwan will once again mark its National Day (Double Ten) — not as a spectacle of power, but as a celebration of democracy, freedoms, civil rights, and the will of the people. In a resilient society that ranks among the freest in Asia, the people of Taiwan come together openly to express their will, to debate ideas, and to choose leaders in peaceful elections. According to Freedom House, Taiwan scores 94/100 on the “Freedom in the World” index, reflecting its strong protection of political rights and civil liberties.
This open civic culture is the fruit of decades of struggle. Taiwan’s transition from authoritarian rule to full democracy in the 1980s–1990s involved social movements, sacrifices, and brave voices demanding human rights and accountability. Today, National Day celebrations feature concerts, speeches, parades, and public forums — not a display of overwhelming force.
Meanwhile, on October 1 in Beijing, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) conducts a very different ritual. On that day, China holds its National Day celebrations — and in recent years, has staged massive military parades. These are not occasional commemorations alone, but carefully choreographed shows of missile systems, tanks, jets, and other advanced weaponry.
In 2025, China is reported to have spent more than 36 billion yuan (roughly US $5 billion) on preparations, displays, logistics, troop movements, and even factory shutdowns to ensure clean air during the parade. That sum alone equates to about 2 percent of China’s annual defense budget.
What does this imply? It suggests that the CCP is more focused on projecting military might — and consolidating internal legitimacy — than investing in people’s welfare. Critics argue that vast public resources are diverted into pomp and display, rather than addressing social needs, poverty reduction, healthcare, or environmental challenges.
By contrast, Taiwan’s National Day underscores a very different message: power lies in the people, not in tanks. It proclaims that a nation founded on democratic values is stronger for its civic trust, transparency, free press, and rule of law. It says that legitimacy comes from consent, not coercion.
As Taiwan honors its democratic path, it stands as a counterpoint to the spectacle of authoritarian force. October 10 reminds us: democracy may not flash missiles or rolling armor, but it builds enduring strength — the power to adapt, to debate, to correct course, and to let citizens lead.
When China invests heavily in military parades, Taiwan invests in people — their voice, dignity, and future. On this contrast, the world sees two very different visions.