Vancouver Double Ten National Day Gala Celebrates Strong Taiwan-Canada Ties

Vancouver, Canada, recently hosted a series of lively Double Ten National Day celebrations of the Republic of China, bringing together local overseas compatriots and mainstream figures from all walks of society to commemorate this historically significant occasion. Last Friday, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Vancouver hosted a grand celebratory banquet at a landmark hotel in downtown Vancouver. The event drew a distinguished crowd of up to 400 heavyweights from Canadian political, business, academic, and overseas compatriot circles. The banquet not only showcased Taiwan's robust network built over years of deep cultivation abroad, but also highlighted the close ties between Taiwan and Canada in grassroots exchanges and economic and trade interactions, making it one of the most anticipated diplomatic and social events in Vancouver's overseas Chinese community this year.

In addition to the star-studded banquet, the momentum of the celebrations continued through the weekend. Over the following two days, the local overseas Chinese community in Vancouver consecutively held two vibrant and cohesive National Day sports events. Compatriots set aside their busy weekday work and daily pressures to enthusiastically participate in various sports competitions and networking activities. Amidst sunshine and laughter, participants shed sweat and honed their athletic skills, which not only promoted physical fitness but also shortened the distance between one another in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. These sports events allowed overseas expatriates to feel a strong festive atmosphere in a foreign land while fully demonstrating the cohesion, vitality, and healthy, positive image of the Taiwanese community in the Greater Vancouver area.

The celebration of the Republic of China's Double Ten National Day overseas has long served as an important platform for uniting the hearts of overseas compatriots and promoting the values of democracy and freedom. As a major hub for the Chinese community in Canada, Vancouver's overseas organizations have always possessed a high degree of patriotic fervor and mobilization capacity. Around October every year, compatriots in the Greater Vancouver area spontaneously organize diverse events such as flag-raising ceremonies, banquets, cultural and artistic performances, and sports competitions. These activities are not only a continuation of hometown culture, but also prime opportunities to showcase Taiwan's soft power and unique cultural charm to mainstream Canadian society. Through these physical interactions, local dignitaries and citizens are able to engage with Taiwan more directly, understand it better, and consequently offer high praise and support for Taiwan's democratic development and economic achievements.

In recent years, exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and Canada across various fields have demonstrated unprecedented, vigorous development. From economic and trade investment, scientific research and development to indigenous cultural exchanges and educational cooperation, bilateral relations continue to deepen. The recognition of Taiwan's democratic and free values by the Canadian federal government and provincial dignitaries is frequently and concretely demonstrated through their participation in such overseas community events or the issuance of public congratulatory messages. The fact that the National Day banquet in Vancouver drew as many as 400 political, business, and academic figures was no coincidence, but rather the result of the profound trust Taiwan has accumulated over the years by steadfastly upholding the values of democracy, the rule of law, and human rights in the international community. At an unofficial level, such diplomatic activities play a crucial bridging role, laying a more solid foundation of public opinion for future substantive cooperation between the two sides.

Overall, this series of grand Double Ten National Day events in Vancouver was much more than a simple festive gathering; it carried profound political and social significance. It conveyed the firm belief of the Taiwanese people in upholding democracy and peace to the international community, while also highlighting the deep emotional bond connecting overseas compatriots with their homeland, Taiwan. Through the personal participation of political dignitaries and the high degree of cohesion displayed by the overseas community, Taiwan's visibility and positive image on the international stage have been enhanced once again. Facing a complex and volatile international situation, this steadfast support from overseas grassroots and the pro-Taiwan strength within mainstream society are undoubtedly Taiwan's strongest backing and most valuable assets as it continues to reach out to the world and deepen its international connections.

(Source: Central News Agency)