The Republic of China (Taiwan) celebrates its 106th anniversary on Oct. 10, a special day distinguished by the spirit of national reform and revitalization.

At the heart of this process is the New Southbound Policy—a farsighted initiative expanding exchanges with the 10 ASEAN member states, six South Asian countries, Australia and New Zealand in economy and trade, regional links, resource sharing and talent cultivation. Operating in tandem is steadfast diplomacy. Founded on the principle of mutual assistance for mutual benefits, this approach is strengthening relations with ROC diplomatic allies and likeminded partners.

Promoting the New Southbound Policy and steadfast diplomacy is a top priority for President Tsai Ing-wen when engaging in diplomacy at home and abroad. In July 2017, she welcomed Paraguay President Horacio Cartes in Taipei, holding talks marking 60 years of official relations between the ROC and the South American nation. And in January 2017, she visited Central American diplomatic allies El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.

Double Tenth National Day is a time to celebrate the government’s vision and the social bedrock upon which it is founded: the people of Taiwan’s belief in democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law.