The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Australia hosted the Reception in Celebration of the 114th Anniversary of the Republic of China (Taiwan) on the evening of 7 October at the National Gallery of Australia. The event was hosted by Representative Douglas Hsu and Mrs Hsu, drawing around 300 distinguished guests from political, business, academic, media, and community circles. Attendees included members of the Australian Federal Parliament, diplomatic representatives from allied and partner countries, as well as leaders of the Taiwanese community and business associations across Australia. The atmosphere was warm and lively, reflecting the close friendship between Taiwan and Australia.
This year’s National Day theme, “Resilient Taiwan,” highlighted the nation’s collective strength and unity. In his remarks, Representative Hsu stated that under the leadership of President Lai Ching-te, Taiwan continues to advance its “Values-based Diplomacy” and “Integrated Diplomacy” initiatives, while building the vision of an “Ever-Sunlit Economy” through innovation and global engagement. He underscored Taiwan’s vital role in the democratic value chain, the first island chain in the Indo-Pacific, and the non-red supply chain, noting that Taiwan’s achievements in AI, semiconductors, biotechnology, space, and quantum technologies have placed it among global leaders in technological innovation and supply-chain resilience.
Representative Hsu further emphasised that Australia is one of Taiwan’s key energy partners, supplying the resources that power Taiwan’s industrial and technological growth. Taiwan, in turn, supports Australia’s “Future Made in Australia” policy through its semiconductor, AI, and advanced manufacturing expertise, together building resilient, trusted, and non-red supply chains. He also noted that both sides renewed the Taiwan–Australia Memorandum of Understanding on Energy Cooperation this year to strengthen collaboration on energy security and supply-chain resilience.
As Australia holds the rotating chair of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) this year, Representative Hsu expressed Taiwan’s hope that Australia would support the establishment of a working group for Taiwan’s accession. He reaffirmed that Taiwan has long demonstrated its commitment to high standards, transparency, and credibility in trade, and that its accession would represent a shared commitment to regional prosperity, supply-chain resilience, and a fair, rules-based trading system.
Representative Hsu also extended sympathy to the victims of the recent Hualien flood disaster and expressed gratitude for the concern shown by Australian friends. He noted that the people of Taiwan once again demonstrated remarkable unity and resilience in disaster response. President Lai’s administration has launched the Four Pillars of Peace Action Plan and established the Whole-of-Society Defence Resilience Committee to strengthen civil defence and promote achieving peace through resilience. Representative Hsu expressed Taiwan’s appreciation for the continued support of the Australian government and parliament and reaffirmed Taiwan’s commitment to working with democratic partners to maintain peace, stability, and prosperity in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region.
To showcase Taiwan’s creativity and culture, this year’s reception featured a Photo Booth with National Day-themed backdrops and photo frames, as well as souvenir Mentos printed with icons of Taiwan such as bubble tea, bicycles, and microchips. Gift bags decorated with Formosan black bears and Taiwan blue magpies highlighted Taiwan’s unique wildlife and tourism. Several Taiwanese enterprises based in Australia also presented exhibition booths, demonstrating Taiwan’s strengths in aviation, technology, and innovation. The evening featured a live saxophone performance by Taiwanese youth Dylan Lin, who performed “Green Island Serenade” and “My Future Is Not a Dream.” Guests were also treated to Taiwan’s award-winning specialty drip coffee, offering a taste of Taiwan’s craftsmanship and hospitality.
