The flag of the Republic of China on Taiwan was flown once again at Twin Oaks Estate on Thursday. This historic site in Washington DC is the former residence of Taiwan’s ambassadors to the US. The ROC flag has not flown there since the US broke off relations with Taipei in favor of ties with Beijing 36 years ago.
Taiwan’s representative to the US, Shen Lyushun, said that it was meaningful to be able to hold a flag-raising ceremony again at Twin Oaks as it symbolizes significant progress in Taiwan-US relations.
After Washington switched recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979, Taiwan was able to retain ownership of the diplomatic residence. However, only cultural and social events have been allowed at Twin Oaks.
But as mutual trust between Taiwan and the US improved, Taiwan’s representative office was able to celebrate the Taiwan’s national day again at the venue in 2011, the first time in 32 years. Shen said that in 2014, the national anthem of the ROC was also sung at the national day reception held at Twin Oaks.