On the evening of 6 October 2026, the Taipei Representative Office in Ireland hosted a reception to celebrate the 115th National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan). Ambassador Daniel Diann-Wen Tang and his wife joined more than 100 Irish friends and members of the Taiwanese community for an evening of celebration and friendship.
In his remarks, Ambassador Tang noted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s first direct presidential election. Through successive elections, the people of Taiwan have shown the world that democracy is not only an ideal, but also a choice. Taiwan’s democratic development has also nurtured a society known for its innovation, inclusiveness and resilience, helping Taiwan connect with the world.
Ambassador Tang highlighted Taiwan’s role as a key hub in the global semiconductor supply chain and the increasingly close economic and trade ties between Taiwan and Ireland. Bilateral trade exceeded €4.7 billion in 2025, more than doubling from 2024, and had already approached €6 billion by August 2026. He expressed hope that the Irish Government would build on this strong momentum, further deepen cooperation with Taiwan, and restore its office in Taiwan.
He also spoke about Taiwan’s diverse communities and cultures, which encourage us to reach out and build friendships around the world. The Office’s activities since last year have reflected the spirit of the “Taiwan Culture in Europe” initiative, using cultural exchange to foster mutual understanding and friendship with people in Ireland and beyond.
Ambassador Tang stressed that, in the face of threats and challenges from China, the people of Taiwan have learned to turn pressure into resilience. He noted that friends in Ireland, with their own history of striving for self-determination and freedom, share our deep appreciation for freedom and democracy. Quoting the Irish proverb “??́ ?????ℎ?? ? ?ℎ????ℎ??́?? ??ℎ ???́??ℎ” — “??????? ????? ?????? ?ℎ?? ?????” — he thanked friends across Ireland who have supported Taiwan through concrete actions, and expressed hope that exchanges between Taiwan and Ireland will become even more diverse, comprehensive and open.
John McGuinness, Chair of the Ireland–Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Association and Deputy Speaker of Dáil Éireann, also addressed the reception. He highlighted the hard-won and precious nature of Taiwan’s democratic journey. At a time of profound change in the global order, he called on people across Ireland who share democratic values to stand up for Taiwan and democratic societies in the face of potential threats from authoritarian states. He also called on the Irish Government to explore opportunities for greater cooperation and exchange, including through restoring its office in Taiwan, and to uphold the universal values we share.
Our heartfelt thanks to all our friends across Taiwan and Ireland for your longstanding support. Wishing the country we all cherish and help safeguard a very happy 115th birthday.
Photo caption: Ambassador Daniel Diann-Wen Tang and his wife (1st and 2nd from left) join John McGuinness, Chair of the Ireland–Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Association and Deputy Speaker of Dáil Éireann (2nd from right), and Senator Diarmuid Wilson, Secretary-General of the Association (1st from right), in cutting the cake to celebrate Taiwan’s 115th National Day.
