Taiwan vs China

National Anthem of People's Republic of China
Three Principles of the People,
The foundation of our party.
Using this, we establish the Republic;
Using this, we advance into a state of total peace.
Oh, you, warriors,
For the people, be the vanguard.
Without resting day or night,
Follow the Principles.
Swear to be diligent; swear to be courageous.
Obliged to be trustworthy; obliged to be loyal.
With one heart and one virtue,
We carry through until the very end.


In 1943, "Three Principles of the People" officially became the national anthem of the Republic of China (Taiwan). The National Anthem, contributed by Kuomintang (KMT) members, is also a patriotic piece asking the people to appreciate the democracy of their new nation. The Anthem’s three principles also tell the people what virtues they should have. They teach this anthem in elementary schools, and they sing it during graduation and flag-raising ceremonies. I personally sang it when I was young, but never got its meaning.


March of the Volunteers
National Anthem of People's Republic of China

Arise! All who refuse to be slaves!
Let our flesh and blood become our new Great Wall!
As the Chinese nation faces its greatest peril,
All forcefully expend their last cries.
Arise! Arise! Arise!
Our million hearts beat as one,
Brave the enemy's fire, March on!
Brave the enemy's fire, March on!
March on! March on! On!


The “March of the volunteers” is very patriotic and is about having the people fight for their own country. Tian Han wrote it during 1934, Republic of China era for a play. It was one of many songs that were promoted secretly among the population as part of the anti-Japanese resistance. This song became the national anthem just days before the founding of the People's Republic of China. I would say it definitely portrays the time period well. The people no longer want to be governed by a communist government, and they adopted this anthem as part of the reform.