Taiwan's National Day, 10 October, also known as "Double-Ten" marks the end of Chinese imperial rule in 1911 and goes back to the foundation of the Chinese Republic as the empire collapsed. The date is only commemorated in Taiwan.

Whereas the People's Republic of China celebrates its national holiday on 1st October -- the day the People's Republic was established, putting an end to the Chinese Republic.

To escape the communists, the members of the Chinese Republic's ruling party -- the Kuomintang -- fled to Taiwan, where they ruled as dictators for decades.

Functioning democracy

Taiwan has since become a functioning democracy. The Kuomintang was disbanded by the president of the Democratic Progressive Party but Taiwan is not yet a legally recognised sovereign state. The People’s Republic of China considers Taiwan as one of its provinces and is pushing for a reunification under its own conditions.

Speaking to the nation on the public holiday, President Chen Shui Bian criticised Beijing's interference: "It is regrettable that China is curbing the Taiwanese people's efforts for democracy so bluntly, and that it is misinterpreting Taiwan's steps towards legal independence, as well as suppressing the truth. The facts show that the conflicts are not being caused by free, democratic Taiwan but by authoritarian, dictatorial China. The international community has to realise this."

A month ago, he had used similarly clear words when he tried to mobilise the international community to support Taiwan's efforts to become an independent UN member.

Military parade

Wednesday's national holiday was accompanied by a military parade. After 16 years, Taiwan displayed its military might and weaponry to the world. The military aircraft -- purchased from the US -- flew over the capital Taipei, and a row of tanks drove past the cheering crowds. But the Hsiung Feng rockets, which have just been developed and theoretically could be directed at mainland China in defence, were not displayed. But the parade clearly aimed to show that Taiwan would not give up its independence.

Relations between China and Taiwan have become more strained over recent months. Despite intensive negotiations, neither side could agree on the conditions under which the Olympic torch could make a stopover in Taiwan on its way to Beijing. In the end, the Olympic torch will not stop in the Taiwanese capital.

Referendum

More than one million people have signed a petition for a referendum about changing the current constitution. The referendum is likely to take place, along with presidential elections, in March 2008, and could pave the way for the country’s independence. The current president, who cannot run again, thinks Taiwan sets a good example:

"Taiwan’s freedom and democracy deserve to be seen as an example for other countries and for China," he said. "Taiwan could set a precedent for the process of democratising China, and could contribute to freedom and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. That would be in the common interest of the US, Japan and our neighbouring countries. "

So far, the US’s reaction to the Taiwanese desire for independence has been extremely reserved because Washington is worried about entering conflict with China. Taiwanese opinions regarding independence from, or reunification with, China are divided. There will probably be a great deal of debate in the run-up to the coming elections next year.