US Group Urges IOC to Let Taiwan Compete as Taiwan in Paris Olympics 2024
A US-based organization, the Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA), has called on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to allow Taiwan to compete under its own name instead of ‘Chinese Taipei’ at the Paris Olympics 2024. FAPA, a nonprofit organization based in Washington, DC, aims to build worldwide support for Taiwan’s independence.
On the opening day of the Paris Olympics 2024, FAPA issued a statement calling the name ‘Chinese Taipei’ a ‘discriminatory misnomer.’ The name has been used since 1984 due to Chinese pressure, forcing Taiwan to replace its national flag and anthem with another flag and song.
FAPA’s statement, created with Taiwanese-American organizations, emphasized that the name ‘Chinese Taipei’ implies Taiwan is part of China, which it has never been. They urged the IOC to let Taiwan be Taiwan and allow its athletes to compete as representatives of Taiwan.
FAPA also mentioned a resolution proposed in the US Congress in June, calling for the IOC to drop the name ‘Chinese Taipei’ and let Taiwan choose its own name, flag, and anthem at the Summer Games.
The Taiwan Strait, separating Taiwan from mainland China, has been a frequent area of contention. Beijing views Taiwan as a breakaway province and asserts sovereignty over the island. Amid rising tensions, China has increased its military presence and conducted frequent drills in the region, which are seen as part of Beijing’s pressure campaign against Taiwan.
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence remains on high alert, prepared to respond to any further escalations in the region.
Doubts Revealed
IOC -: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is the organization that oversees the Olympic Games. They make the rules and decide which countries can participate.
Taiwan -: Taiwan is an island in East Asia. It has its own government, but China claims it as part of its territory.
Chinese Taipei -: Chinese Taipei is the name Taiwan uses in international sports events because of pressure from China. It makes it seem like Taiwan is part of China.
Paris Olympics 2024 -: The Paris Olympics 2024 is the next Summer Olympic Games, which will be held in Paris, France.
FAPA -: The Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA) is a group in the US that supports Taiwan’s interests and wants it to be recognized as a separate country.
US Congress resolution -: A US Congress resolution is a formal statement made by the US government. In this case, it supports Taiwan’s right to use its own name, flag, and anthem in the Olympics.
