Taiwan celebrates its National Day holiday against a background of Chinese threats

Associated Press

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwan celebrated its National Day holiday against the background of threats from China, which claims the self-governing island republic as its own territory. Thursday’s commemorations included military displays, but no heavy military equipment such as those seen in years past. Addressing the threat from China, President Lai Ching-te took a firm but measured line while offering cooperation on areas from fighting infectious diseases to maintaining “regional peace and stability.” The celebration marks the establishment of the Republic of China, which overthrew the Qing Dynasty in 1911 and relocated to Taiwan as Mao Zedong’s Communists swept to power on the mainland in 1949.