Premier Frank Hsieh (謝長廷) said yesterday that spectators should not be prevented from flying the national flag at international events taking place in Taiwan.
"Taiwan's sports teams have to use the Olympic flag whenever they participate in international games or events, but spectators are not banned from flying Taiwan's national flag during sports matches or other events when these activities are held in Taiwan," Hsieh said.
The premier made his remarks on the legislative floor when fielding questions from Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Legislator Hsieh Wen-cheng (
The championships was attended by 55 skaters from seven different countries.
Hsieh Wen-cheng asked the premier whether the government intends to inform the public about the relevant regulations so that further bickering and conflicts could be prevented.
The premier said that, due to political reasons, Taiwan and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) came to an agreement in 1981 that the nation's sports teams would use the name "Chinese Taipei," as well as the "Chinese Taipei Olympic flag" during international events -- instead of the national flag and anthem -- in return for being allowed to participate in international sporting events.
He said that the nation needs more chances to become part of international society, which was why the agreement had been accepted.
However, the premier said, nothing prevents Taiwanese spectators from flying the national flag at an international event, as they are entitled to express their feelings.
"I think this has nothing to do with the [IOC] agreement at all. [The flag] should not be banned, especially when the game or the event is being held in Taiwan. I think the international society would understand this as well," he added.
At a separate event yesterday, Taiwanese driver Liu Ji-kai (劉吉凱), who is participating in the International Auto Gymkhana organized by the Chinese Taipei Motor Sports Association today and tomorrow, expressed regret at not being able to see the national flag on his home soil.
"I've participated in many events in foreign countries, and I feel very bad that I can't see my national flag even at a sports events on my home soil ... There should be a symbol to represent Taiwan in sports events held here," Liu said in a video clip shown by Taipei City Councilor Hsu Chia-chin (
Hsu presented the video yesterday during a session at the Taipei City Council to question the city government on the reasoning behind flying the Olympic flag rather than the national flag at sports events.
Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九), who doubles as Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) chairman, said that all international games held in Taipei follow the IOC's rules.
"This is about following the rules of the IOC and ensuring that sports events run smoothly. It has nothing to do with my national identity ... I love the Republic of China and I love the national flag," Ma said.
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