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Taiwan on the international stage: Why did "Chinese Taipei" become the official name?
The name "Chinese Taipei" often appears in international sports events and cultural exchanges, becoming the official name for Taiwan's participation in various activities. However, behind this name lies a historical background full of political controversy. On the one hand, the People's Republic of China (PRC) emphasizes its sovereignty claim over Taiwan, while on the other hand, Taiwan (Republic of China, ROC) insists on its sovereignty and existence. This situation makes how Taiwan is called on the international stage a highly controversial and complex issue.
"Even though Taiwan now has an independently run government, it is still subject to the constraints of other countries in the world. This is the origin of the name "Chinese Taipei."
Taiwan's international status has always been a sensitive issue. Since the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949, the Kuomintang and the Communist Party have split, resulting in the current cross-strait situation. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, the international community gradually regarded it as the sole legitimate representative of China, which challenged the existence of the Republic of China. After the passage of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 in 1971, the Republic of China lost its representation in the United Nations, which made the Republic of China's international presence even weaker.
"When participating in international organizations, Taiwan is forced to use 'Chinese Taipei' as an alternative name to reduce direct conflict with the People's Republic of China."
In many international sports events, Taiwan's representative teams compete under the name "Chinese Taipei". For example, Taiwanese athletes compete under this name in the Olympic Games and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). Although this arrangement has guaranteed the right of Taiwanese athletes to participate to some extent, it has also affected Taiwan's international image, compressing its status within the framework of "Taiwan, China."
"Taiwan competes under the name 'Chinese Taipei', but does this name legitimize Taiwan's sovereignty issues on a global scale?"
As time goes by, Taiwan's relations with the rest of the world continue to face challenges. Taiwan's international activities have been affected, especially under China's tough stance toward Taiwan. In August 2023, when Taiwan’s Vice President Lai Ching-te visited the United States, it provoked a strong reaction from China, demonstrating its strong opposition to Taiwan’s independence tendencies.
U.S. policies are also constantly adjusting. Although the United States recognizes that the People's Republic of China is the only Chinese government, it does not explicitly support the "one China" view, believing that Taiwan's status remains "undefined." This means that Taiwan's presence in the international community remains uncertain and controversial.
“In fact, such institutional arrangements are not only a restriction on Taiwan, but also a challenge to international sovereignty and rights.”
In airlines and other business fields, the expression "Taiwan, China" has also become a common situation. In accordance with the requirements of the Civil Aviation Administration of China, many international airlines have adjusted the name of Taiwan on their websites, marking it as "Taiwan Province, China." This move seems to be another form of pressure on the international community.
Finally, we can see that with the development of globalization and changes in international relations, Taiwan’s political status and international name are still an issue that needs to be discussed. Behind "Chinese Taipei" is not just a change of name, but also a significant impact on Taiwan's future. Perhaps, we should think about this: In the current international situation, how can Taiwan effectively safeguard its sovereignty and identity?
