US Filmmaker Garret Clarke Highlights Taiwan’s Struggle at Paris 2024 Olympics
On July 28, US filmmaker Garret Clarke discussed how China imposes its authoritarianism on Taiwan. Clarke’s documentary, “What’s in a Name? A Chinese Taipei Story,” explores why Taiwan, a self-governing island, cannot use its name in major international sports events. Due to Beijing’s influence over the UN and the International Olympic Committee, Taiwan competes under the name “Chinese Taipei” at the Paris 2024 Olympics and other global events.
Historical Context
The dispute dates back to the Chinese civil war, after which the Communist Party of China established the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in 1949, while the Republic of China (ROC) government retreated to Taiwan. In 1952, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) allowed both the PRC and ROC to participate in the Helsinki Olympics, but the ROC withdrew, enabling the PRC to compete. The PRC boycotted the ROC flag at the Melbourne Olympics and stayed away from the Olympics throughout the 1960s and early 1970s. During this period, the ROC competed under various names, including “Formosa,” “Taiwan,” and “Republic of China.”
In 1971, the United Nations recognized the PRC and expelled the ROC. In 1976, the ROC refused to participate in the Olympics under the name “Taiwan” and withdrew from the games. The IOC’s 1979 “Nagoya Resolution” was eventually accepted by both the PRC and ROC governments.
Current Events
Clarke, who has lived in Taiwan, noted that those who feel uneasy about the name “Chinese Taipei” can find answers in his documentary. Taiwan recently held military exercises and air raid drills to prepare for potential attacks from China. During these drills, Taiwanese authorities released a trailer for a TV show titled ‘Zero Day,’ depicting a Chinese invasion. The show aims to raise global awareness about the threats Taiwan faces from China.
China has increased its military activities around Taiwan, including air and naval incursions into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ). On July 27, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed concerns over China’s “provocative” actions towards Taiwan after meeting with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Laos.
Meanwhile, the Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA), a US-based nonprofit organization, called on the IOC to allow Taiwan to compete under its own name instead of “Chinese Taipei” on the opening day of the Paris Olympics 2024.
Doubts Revealed
Garret Clarke -: Garret Clarke is a filmmaker from the United States who makes movies and documentaries.
Taiwan -: Taiwan is an island near China. It has its own government, but China says it is part of their country.
Paris 2024 Olympics -: The Paris 2024 Olympics is a big sports event that will happen in Paris, France, in the year 2024.
Chinese Taipei -: Chinese Taipei is the name Taiwan has to use when it competes in international sports events because of pressure from China.
Chinese civil war -: The Chinese civil war was a big fight in China many years ago, which led to the separation of Taiwan and China.
Military exercises -: Military exercises are practice activities that soldiers do to prepare for real battles.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken -: Antony Blinken is a high-ranking official in the United States government who deals with other countries.
IOC -: The IOC, or International Olympic Committee, is the group that organizes the Olympic Games.
Authoritarianism -: Authoritarianism is when a government has strict control over people and doesn’t allow much freedom.