Chinese Taipei to Taiwan

Taiwan’s debate over competing as ‘Chinese Taipei’ in international sports highlights political tensions, identity, and sovereignty, with FAPA leading the push for recognition as Taiwan.

Issue

The debate about Taiwan competing in international sports as ‘Chinese Taipei’ has become a major topic due to its connections with sports, international relations, and identity, highlighting deeper political tensions.

The Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA), a key group, has led the push for Taiwan to be recognized under its own name.

Founded in the US in 1982, FAPA aims to promote Taiwan’s interests internationally, including the need for recognition as Taiwan.

Historically, Taiwan has had to compete as ‘Chinese Taipei’ because of political pressure from China.

This name was agreed upon by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1981 to allow Taiwanese athletes to participate in global events.

However, many see this as a way to downplay Taiwan’s sovereignty and hide its national identity.

FAPA, along with other Taiwanese groups abroad, has worked hard to change this situation.

A big step was the recent letter to the IOC, asking for a review of the current name, which argues for Taiwan’s right to be recognized as its own country and for the IOC to respect Taiwan’s democratic values and political status.

The letter highlights Taiwan’s democracy, its unique identity, and the IOC’s need to be fair and independent in sports.

This move is a significant part of a larger effort to get Taiwan its proper name and status in the international sports world.

Impact of ‘Chinese Taipei’

The name ‘Chinese Taipei’ was created due to complicated negotiations between Taiwan and China, stemming from their ongoing tensions.

It was decided by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1979 that Taiwan, then known as the Republic of China (ROC), would compete under this name in international sports events.

This choice was made after China was recognized as the only China by most countries, including the United Nations, which meant Taiwan had to find a way to participate without upsetting China.

The decision was made partly to avoid conflict by choosing a neutral name that didn’t suggest Taiwan was a country.

This way, Taiwan could compete in global sports while still dealing with China’s ‘One China’ policy.

However, this name has had mixed effects on Taiwan and its athletes. For Taiwan, it’s seen as a slight to its sovereignty, making it harder for the country to be recognized internationally.

For athletes, it’s a complex mix of pride in representing Taiwan and frustration over being labeled as part of China.

This is especially true for athletes like Kuo Hsing-chun, who compete under this name and feel the struggle of balancing her Taiwanese identity with the confusion of being called ‘Chinese Taipei’.

FAPA & Overseas Groups Advocacy Efforts

Taiwan’s push for recognition in international sports has gained momentum with the help of the Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA) and more than a dozen Taiwanese groups abroad.

They aim to change Taiwan’s official name from “Chinese Taipei” to “Taiwan” in global sports events, wanting Taiwanese athletes to be recognized by their own country without political interference.

FAPA and its allies have worked hard, organizing campaigns and lobbying, especially with the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

They argue that Taiwan’s current name is unfair, misrepresenting its athletes and undermining its sovereignty.

They highlight Taiwan’s democratic values and unique culture, suggesting that competing under Taiwan’s name would better reflect its identity and promote fairness and equality.

Their letter to the IOC emphasizes Taiwan’s independent government, cultural uniqueness & democratic processes, appealing to the IOC’s values of neutrality and peace.

They also seek support from international organizations and countries that understand Taiwan’s situation.