Flag of Taiwan

The National Flag of the Republic of China (Taiwan), often referred to simply as the Flag of Taiwan, is a potent and historically rich symbol. It represents a complex political entity with a unique history and an ongoing geopolitical status that makes its flag particularly significant, both domestically and internationally. While visually striking, its meaning extends far beyond aesthetics, embodying the ideals and struggles of a nation.

Dimensions, Colors, and Arrangement of Elements

The Flag of the Republic of China is a rectangular field of red, with a blue canton (upper hoist corner) containing a white sun with twelve triangular rays. This design is highly symbolic and each element holds specific meaning. *The red field constitutes the majority of the flag's area. This vibrant red is officially designated as "Earth Red" (大地紅, dàdì hóng). It symbolizes the sacrifices made by the martyrs who fell during the Xinhai Revolution (1911), which overthrew the Qing Dynasty and established the Republic of China. It also represents the blood shed in the struggle for liberty and the spirit of the Chinese people. *The blue canton occupies the upper left quarter of the flag. This blue is referred to as "Sky Blue" (青天, qīngtiān). It symbolizes nationalism and liberty, representing the spirit of pure democracy. It also embodies the virtues of purity, integrity, and justice. *The white sun (白日, báirì) is centered within the blue canton. It features twelve triangular rays emanating outwards from the sun disc. This "White Sun with Twelve Rays" (青天白日, Qīngtiān Báirì, meaning "Blue Sky and White Sun") is a crucial emblem. *The white color of the sun signifies fraternity and equality. *The sun itself represents the bright and progressive spirit of the nation, signifying vigour and the grand foresight of a developing country. *The twelve rays are deeply significant. They symbolize the twelve months of the year and the twelve traditional Chinese hours (時辰, shíchén), each equivalent to two modern hours. This signifies progress and advancement, with the nation striving forward unceasingly. The twelve rays also represent the Twelve Earthly Branches (地支, dìzhī) in the traditional Chinese calendar system, further linking the symbol to continuity and the passage of time. *The official proportions of the flag are 2:3 (height to width), making it slightly wider than it is tall. The diameter of the white sun is 6/8ths of the height of the canton, and the length of the rays is 9/8ths of the height of the canton. These precise measurements ensure consistency in its representation.

History of the Flag's Creation and Adoption

The history of the Flag of the Republic of China is deeply intertwined with the tumultuous political landscape of early 20th-century China and the establishment of the Republic.

• Origins in the Xinhai Revolution (1911): The "Blue Sky and White Sun" emblem was originally designed by Lu Haodong, a revolutionary and close associate of Sun Yat-sen, in 1895. It was intended to be the military flag of the Revive China Society (興中會, Xīngzhōnghuì), an anti-Qing Dynasty revolutionary group. It was flown during the Guangzhou Uprising in 1895, an early attempt to overthrow the Qing.

• Adoption by the Kuomintang (KMT): When Sun Yat-sen established the Tongmenghui (同盟會, United League) in 1905, which later became the Kuomintang (KMT or Chinese Nationalist Party), the "Blue Sky and White Sun" was adopted as the party's emblem and a symbol of the revolution.

• Adding the Red Field: The current design, incorporating the red field, was developed by Sun Yat-sen and Huang Xing in 1906. Sun Yat-sen added the red field to represent the land and the blood of the martyrs, completing the "Red Earth, Blue Sky, White Sun" concept. This tri-color combination visually mirrored his "Three Principles of the People" (三民主義, Sānmín Zhǔyì): Nationalism, Democracy, and the People's Livelihood.

  • Blue: Nationalism (民族主義, Mínzú Zhǔyì) – representing liberty and justice.

  • White: Democracy (民權主義, Mínquán Zhǔyì) – representing equality and fraternity.

  • Red: People's Livelihood (民生主義, Mínshēng Zhǔyì) – representing the great sacrifices made to establish the Republic.

• Formal Adoption by the Republic of China (1928): After the Northern Expedition, led by Chiang Kai-shek, successfully unified much of China under the Kuomintang government, the flag was formally adopted as the national flag of the Republic of China on December 17, 1928. It flew over mainland China until the end of the Chinese Civil War.

• Retreat to Taiwan (1949): Following the Communist victory in the Chinese Civil War in 1949, the government of the Republic of China, led by the Kuomintang, retreated to Taiwan. The flag continued to serve as the national flag of the Republic of China on Taiwan, while the People's Republic of China on the mainland adopted its own flag.

• Continued Use and Evolution of Significance: The flag has remained the national symbol of the Republic of China on Taiwan ever since. Its continued use is a powerful statement of its historical continuity and its claim as the legitimate government of China, a claim that has evolved over time, focusing more now on its de facto sovereignty over Taiwan.

Symbolism and Meaning for Residents (Taiwan and Region)

The meaning of the Flag of the Republic of China is multifaceted and highly dependent on one's political perspective, particularly in the context of cross-strait relations.

• For many in Taiwan (especially those identifying with the ROC and its history):

  • National Identity and Heritage: It is a symbol of Taiwan's distinct national identity and its historical lineage as the Republic of China. It represents the democratic values and freedoms that have flourished on the island.

  • "Three Principles of the People": The flag is a constant reminder of Sun Yat-sen's "Three Principles of the People" (Nationalism, Democracy, and People's Livelihood), which are enshrined in the ROC constitution and continue to be foundational ideals.

  • Freedom and Democracy: For many, particularly older generations and those who experienced authoritarian rule under the KMT, the flag represents the journey towards democracy and freedom on the island.

  • Continuity of the Republic: It symbolizes the continuity of the Republic of China as a sovereign entity, distinct from the People's Republic of China.

• For Pro-Independence Supporters in Taiwan (and some younger generations):

  • Historical Baggage and "Old China": While generally respected as the de facto national flag, some pro-independence advocates or younger generations might view it as carrying historical baggage related to the Kuomintang's authoritarian past and its association with "Old China" rather than a purely Taiwanese identity. They may seek a new flag that more explicitly represents a sovereign Taiwan.

  • Practical Acceptance: Despite reservations, it is widely accepted and used in daily life and international events as the flag of Taiwan, due to its official status.

• For the People's Republic of China (mainland China):

  • Symbol of "Separatism": The government of the People's Republic of China views this flag as a symbol of "separatism" and an anachronism, representing a political entity it considers a breakaway province. Its display in international forums is often met with strong protests and attempts at suppression.

  • Challenge to "One China" Principle: The flag directly challenges Beijing's "One China" principle, which asserts that there is only one China and Taiwan is part of it.

• For the International Community:

  • De Facto National Symbol: For much of the international community, the flag is widely recognized as the de facto national symbol of Taiwan, even by countries that do not formally recognize the Republic of China.

  • Symbol of Democracy and Economic Success: It represents a vibrant democracy and a major economic power in Asia.

Interesting Facts

The Flag of the Republic of China is associated with numerous interesting and often politically charged facts.

• "Blue Sky, White Sun, and a Wholly Red Earth": The flag's design is often poetically referred to as "Blue Sky, White Sun, and a Wholly Red Earth" (青天白日滿地紅, Qīngtiān Báirì Mǎn Dì Hóng), reflecting its three main elements and their colors.

• Used in Mainland China Before 1949: This flag was the official national flag of China from 1928 until 1949, flying over the entire mainland during that period. This is a crucial historical fact often overlooked or downplayed by the PRC.

• Often Banned Internationally (due to PRC pressure): Due to political pressure from the People's Republic of China, the flag is often not permitted at international events where the PRC is also present, such as the Olympic Games. In such cases, Taiwan competes under the "Chinese Taipei" designation and uses a special Olympic flag, which features the emblem of the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee instead of the national flag.

• The "Kuomintang Flag" vs. "National Flag": The "Blue Sky and White Sun" emblem without the red field is still the official party flag of the Kuomintang (KMT). This can sometimes lead to confusion, but the national flag always includes the red field.

• Meaning of the Twelve Rays: The twelve rays represent the twelve shichen (時辰), which are traditional Chinese hours, each representing two modern hours. This symbolizes constant progress and advancement.

• Naval Jack and Presidential Standard: The "Blue Sky and White Sun" emblem, without the red field, serves as the naval jack of the Republic of China Navy. A slightly modified version with additional golden elements is used as the Presidential Standard.

• One of the Oldest Flags in Continuous Use (in its lineage): While the full design with the red field was adopted in 1928, the "Blue Sky and White Sun" emblem has roots dating back to 1895, making its core elements among the oldest revolutionary symbols in continuous use in the region.

• Embodied in the National Anthem: The "Blue Sky and White Sun" (Qīngtiān Báirì) is directly referenced in the first line of the National Anthem of the Republic of China, further cementing its central role in national identity.

• Symbol of "Free China" during the Cold War: During the Cold War, particularly by Western powers that recognized the ROC over the PRC, this flag was often presented as the symbol of "Free China," contrasting it with the Communist mainland.

• Public Display on Taiwan: On Taiwan, the flag is proudly displayed on government buildings, schools, and at national events. While there are debates about Taiwan's future identity, the flag remains widely accepted as the current national symbol.

• A Symbol of Resilience: Despite its complex and often challenging international position, the flag has become a symbol of Taiwan's resilience, its vibrant democracy, and its economic prosperity in the face of persistent external pressures.

In the demonstration images, full-size flags are shown with proportions of 2:3, and hand-held flags with proportions of 1:2.