Taiwan’s Olympic name
The Paris Olympics began at 1:30pm on Saturday. Teams representing participating countries boarded boats that bobbed along the River Seine as they headed toward the opening venue. On the deck, Team Taiwan held up a flag with the name “Chinese Taipei.”
China’s state-run China Central Television (CCTV) used the name “China Taipei (中國台北)” when referring to Team Taiwan, attempting to diminish the nation in the international community.
Fortunately, the hosts for the television station France 2 were aware of the situation when they introduced the team. They clarified as they introduced them, saying: “Chinese Taipei (中華台北), better known as Taiwan.” They even went the extra mile by talking about the special circumstances that forced the athletes to compete internationally as “Chinese Taipei.”
Even if Taiwan has to compete in the Olympics under this name, at least France 2’s explanation shows that France respects the country. In stark contrast, CCTV’s appellation was tinged with political meaning.
China has long suppressed Taiwan, especially in the international arena. More clearly, this path of suppression has been roundly criticized by the international community. The hosts of France 2 expressed their dissatisfaction with China’s bullying in sports events to help rectify the naming situation.
The international community often views China’s suppression of Taiwan in sporting events as political manipulation, namely China’s position of downplaying Taiwan’s sovereignty. Many countries and international organizations express their concern and dissatisfaction, emphasizing that Taiwan should be respected.
Taiwan should boost its international publicity, introducing itself to global media and spectators to win over more international support, help the International Olympic Committee and other international sports organizations to recognize China’s bad behavior, and use the power of the public to demand that China treat all participating countries respectfully in sporting events.
At the same time, the international community should jointly voice support for Taiwan and urge China to treat all nations respectfully, something Taiwan deserves at international sporting events.
Chang Ya-juo
Taipei
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