A commemoration this afternoon at Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Park and a torch-lighting ceremony Tuesday at Aloha Tower are two of the events marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of China.

The government of Taiwan has chosen Hono­lulu as the site of the most important overseas centennial celebration, said the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Hono­lulu.

Hawaii is where Sun Yat-sen, the founder of modern China, attended both ‘Iolani and Punahou schools. His time in Hawaii "made a major impact on his understanding and appreciation for Western ideas and social action," according to the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Hawaii Foundation.

The Honolulu City Council adopted a resolution declaring 2011 the Year of Dr. Sun Yat-sen in Hawaii, and a ceremony will be held at Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memo­rial Park at the corner of Bethel and Hotel streets today at 2 p.m.

About 400 Taiwanese from around the world will join more than 300 members of Hawaii’s Taiwanese community between 10 a.m. and noon Tuesday to light the Torch of Peace, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the founding of Taiwan. Once lit, the torch will go on a trip around the world, ending its journey when it returns to Taiwan to be presented to Taiwanese President Ma Ying-Jeou on Oct. 9.

Other events commemorating the Taiwanese centennial include:

» A banquet at the Hilton Hawaiian Village’s Tapa Ballroom from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Monday.

» A symposium on the history of Taiwan and Sun Yat-sen tomorrow in the Imin International Conference Center at the East-West Center.

» A concert of traditional and popular Taiwanese music at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Hawaii Theatre.

For more information, call the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office at 595-6347, ext. 236.