This is an academic explainer based on the Wikipedia article concerning the Flag of the Republic of China. Read the full source article here. (opens in new tab)

The Azure Sun, Crimson Earth

A scholarly examination of the Flag of the Republic of China, its historical evolution, profound symbolism, and enduring significance.

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Flag of the Republic of China

National Standard

The flag of the Republic of China (ROC), often referred to colloquially as the "Flag of Taiwan," is a significant national symbol. It features a red field with a blue canton in the upper hoist-side corner. Within this canton rests a white disk surrounded by twelve triangular rays, representing the sun. This design is formally known as the "Blue Sky, White Sun, and a Wholly Red Earth" flag.

Origins and Adoption

Originally conceived by Lu Haodong in 1895 for the anti-Qing Revive China Society, the flag's design evolved with Sun Yat-sen's addition of the red field in 1906. It was adopted as the naval flag in 1912 and officially designated the national flag of the Republic of China in 1928. Following the Chinese Civil War, it continued in use in Taiwan after the ROC government's relocation.

Legal Framework

The flag's specifications are codified in the National Emblem and National Flag of the Republic of China Act. The most recent amendment, promulgated on October 23, 1954, standardized its dimensions, ratio, production, and management, ensuring its consistent representation across official contexts.

Historical Trajectory

Early Republic Era

During the Xinhai Revolution, various flags were in use by different revolutionary factions. Lu Haodong's "Blue Sky with a White Sun" flag was prevalent in southern provinces, while a "Five-color Flag" represented the provisional government in Beijing. The modern ROC flag served as a naval ensign, with Sun Yat-sen advocating for its adoption over the five-color flag due to its perceived lack of hierarchical implication.

Wartime and Post-War

Throughout the Second Sino-Japanese War, the flag's usage became politically charged, with different regimes employing variations. Following World War II, the ROC government assumed administration of Taiwan, and the flag continued its official status. The subsequent Chinese Civil War led to the establishment of the People's Republic of China on the mainland, with the ROC flag remaining the official standard in Taiwan.

Contemporary Context

The flag's symbolism has evolved, reflecting Taiwan's unique political status. It signifies continuity with the ROC's historical ideals and serves as a distinct identifier from the PRC's flag. Its public display remains a subject of political discourse, with varying interpretations among different political factions and within the overseas Chinese community.

Symbolic Meanings

The Sun and Sky

The canton, featuring a blue sky and a white sun with twelve rays, symbolizes the "Blue Sky with a White Sun" concept. The twelve rays represent the twelve months of the year and the twelve traditional Chinese shichen (two-hour periods), signifying the passage of time and the nation's enduring presence.

The Crimson Earth

The red field, added by Sun Yat-sen, represents the "Wholly Red Earth." This color signifies the blood of revolutionaries who sacrificed their lives to overthrow the Qing dynasty and establish the Republic of China, embodying the spirit of national sacrifice and rebirth.

Tri-Color Philosophy

Collectively, the flag's three colors are linked to Sun Yat-sen's Three Principles of the People: Blue represents nationalism and liberty; White signifies democracy and equality; and Red embodies the people's livelihood and fraternity. This tripartite symbolism underscores the foundational ideals of the Republic.

Design Specifications

Proportions and Dimensions

The national flag adheres to a strict 2:3 proportion. The red field constitutes the majority of the flag's area. The blue canton occupies the upper hoist quarter (2:3 ratio itself). Detailed mathematical specifications govern the size of the sun, its rays, and the blue ring surrounding them, ensuring precise replication.

The radius of the white sun is defined as 1/8 of the canton's width, and the diameter of the sun without rays is 1/4 of the canton's width. The blue ring separating the sun from its rays has a width of 1/15 of the white sun's diameter. Each of the twelve rays subtends an angle of 30 degrees, completing a full circle.

Color Scheme (CMYK & RGB Values)
Color CMYK RGB Hex
Blue 100, 80, 0, 20 0, 40, 204 #0028CC
Red 0, 100, 100, 5~10 243, 0, 1 #F30001
White 0, 0, 0, 0 255, 255, 255 #FFFFFF

Color Palette

The official colors are Blue, White, and Red. While specific Pantone values are not mandated in the primary legislation, the Ministry of the Interior provides reference CMYK and RGB values for manufacturing and representation, ensuring consistency in the flag's appearance across various applications.

Official and Symbolic Usage

State and Civil Use

The flag serves as the civil flag, state flag, and national ensign of the Republic of China. It is prominently displayed at government buildings, official ceremonies, and public institutions, symbolizing the sovereignty and continuity of the ROC government.

Military and Service Flags

Distinct variations of the flag are utilized by different branches of the Republic of China Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. These military flags often incorporate specific emblems or insignia relevant to each service branch while retaining the core design elements.

International Representation

In international contexts, particularly in sporting events like the Olympic Games, the ROC is represented under the designation "Chinese Taipei," utilizing a distinct "Plum Blossom Banner." This arrangement is a consequence of the complex political status of Taiwan and the PRC's influence on international recognition.

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References

References

  1.  KMT supporters' anniversary event highlights fight to save old monastery
A full list of references for this article are available at the Flag of the Republic of China Wikipedia page

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Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice

This content has been generated by an AI model for educational and informational purposes, drawing exclusively from the provided source text. It is intended for an audience pursuing higher education and aims for academic accuracy based on the source material.

This is not official government information. The interpretation and presentation of historical and political context are derived solely from the source document. Users are encouraged to consult official ROC government resources and academic literature for comprehensive and authoritative information.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any interpretations or actions taken based on the information presented herein.