Geopolitics and the Olympics often intertwine, creating complex situations that can be puzzling and counterintuitive.
One such scenario involves Chinese Taipei, leaving many to wonder, “What country is that?” and “Where is Taiwan in these Olympics?”
Historical Background
The answer lies in the historical and political context of Taiwan and its international recognition. For over 75 years, Taiwan has been referred to as Chinese Taipei in international sporting events and diplomatic relations.
In 1949, following the Chinese Revolution, Taiwan and mainland China both claimed to be the legitimate “one China.” Both regions had been under Japanese control until Japan’s surrender at the end of World War II. When China was liberated, a government was established as the Republic of China. However, the communists drove this government to Taiwan during the revolution, establishing the People’s Republic of China on the mainland. Since then, both entities have claimed to be the true China.
Evolution of Names
Throughout the 20th century, Taiwan competed under various names, including Taiwan, China, the Republic of China, and Formosa. However, in 1979, a significant change occurred. Taiwan was expelled from the United Nations in 1971 due to its authoritarian regime and was subsequently banned from using national symbols such as its anthem or flag.
To maintain international participation, Taiwan agreed to compete under the name Chinese Taipei starting in 1981. This ambiguous term was crafted to satisfy both Taiwan and China, allowing athletes from the island to compete internationally without directly invoking Taiwan’s sovereignty.
Olympic Participation
Since the 1984 Winter Olympics, Taiwan has participated as Chinese Taipei, using a unique flag and anthem specified by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee’s flag features the Olympic rings and Taiwan’s white sun symbol within the outline of the prunus mei, the state’s national flower. When an athlete from Chinese Taipei wins a gold medal, the National Flag Anthem of the Republic of China is played.
Ongoing Tensions
Despite the compromise, tensions between Taiwan and China persist. The issue remains unresolved and highly sensitive. A recent incident at the Paris 2024 Olympics highlighted these tensions. During a badminton match between Chinese Taipei’s Yang Lee and Chi-Lin Wang and Denmark’s Kim Astrup and Anders Skaarup Rasmussen, a Taiwanese woman displayed a banner reading “Let’s go Taiwan.” Security intervened, and a man forcibly removed the banner, leading to condemnation from Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Response
The Ministry stated, “This violent act is not only uneducated, but also seriously violates the civilized spirit represented by the Olympic Games. It also violates the rule of law and infringes on freedom of speech.” The incident underscores the ongoing friction between Taiwan and China, even within the context of international sports.
Chinese Taipei’s Performance
Despite these challenges, Chinese Taipei athletes have achieved success at the Paris 2024 Olympics, securing four medals: two silvers and two bronzes. The participation of Chinese Taipei in the Olympics exemplifies the delicate balance between sportsmanship and geopolitics, highlighting the complexities faced by nations in the international arena.