TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A protester disrupted Taiwan's National Day flag-raising ceremony in Washington, D.C., Monday (Oct. 6), holding a banner reading "Recover Mainland China" before being escorted out. The event, celebrating the Republic of China's founding, was organized by the local Taiwanese community and featured 11-year-old Taiwanese-American twins as flag bearers. The ceremony was among several National Day activities held by Taiwanese communities overseas.
Security removed the protester, who warned against physical contact and threatened retaliation if touched again during the removal process. Rita Lee (李治瑞), former chair of the organizing association, expressed uncertainty about the protester's identity, noting she had never seen him before at community events. Lee could not confirm whether he acted independently or under direction from external groups.
Yang Yi-shan (楊懿珊), Taiwan's envoy to the United States, emphasized Taiwan's peaceful intentions during her ceremony speech. She urged attendees to approach National Day with positive energy and highlighted Taiwan's commitment to global peace. The Washington, D.C., Taiwanese community has consistently held flag-raising ceremonies on National Day and New Year's Day, with Taiwan's flag displayed at the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of Washington, D.C. (美京中華會館). ◼
