FAPA and Overseas Groups Urge IOC to Recognize Taiwan's Independence

The Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA) and 23 overseas organizations urged the IOC to allow Taiwan to compete as 'Taiwan' instead of 'Chinese Taipei.' The letter condemns the derogatory name imposed by the IOC, stressing it undermines Taiwan’s sovereignty.

The Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA), along with more than a dozen other overseas groups, has penned a letter urging the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to allow Taiwan's team to compete under the name 'Taiwan' rather than 'Chinese Taipei,' reports Focus Taiwan. The letter, addressed to IOC President Thomas Bach and the members of the executive board, was sent just two days before the conclusion of the 2024 Paris Summer Games, as announced by FAPA in a press release.

'Taiwan is an independent, sovereign country, and this is a long-established status quo,' stated FAPA President Kao Su-mei. She argued that Taiwan's Olympic team deserves to compete proudly under the name 'Taiwan.' Kao criticized the IOC for its blatant disregard of the 'non-discrimination' and 'political neutrality' principles outlined in the Olympic Charter, saying the imposed name 'Chinese Taipei' undermines Taiwan's independent statehood and national dignity.

The letter, led by Washington-based FAPA, was co-signed by 23 overseas Taiwanese organizations worldwide, including the Asociacion de Taiwan en Argentina, the All Japan Taiwanese Union, the Taiwan Association in Sweden, and the Taiwanese American Citizens League. Kao further condemned China for its role in the naming issue, accusing it of bullying Taiwan and exerting political pressure on the IOC. The groups highlighted incidents where items bearing 'Taiwan' were confiscated by Olympic staff or Chinese spectators, calling these actions violations of the Olympic spirit and freedom of speech. They urged IOC President Bach and the executive board not to succumb to China's political pressure and to end the 'discriminatory requirement' for Taiwanese athletes to compete under 'Chinese Taipei.'

The letter stated that the name 'Chinese Taipei' falsely implies Taiwan is part of China, despite Taiwan never being ruled by the PRC. The name was established in the Lausanne Agreement of March 1981, allowing Taiwan's athletes to compete in the Olympics after missing the 1976 games due to the naming dispute. Since they returned in 1984, Taiwanese athletes have competed under the name 'Chinese Taipei.'

(With inputs from agencies.)