Adopted in 1921. The flag of Taiwan has a red field with a dark blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing a white sun with 12 triangular rays. The blue and white design of the canton (symbolizing the sun of progress) dates to 1895. It was later adopted as the flag of the Kuomintang Party; blue signifies liberty, justice, and democracy; red stands for fraternity, sacrifice, and nationalism, white represents equality, frankness, and the people's livelihood. The 12 rays of the sun are those of the months and the twelve traditional Chinese hours (each ray equals two hours). (ref: CIA World Factbook)