Taiwan Calls for Investigation into Paris Olympics Incident Against Supporter

Taiwan's government has urged French authorities to investigate an incident at the Paris Olympics men's doubles badminton final, where a supporter had her pro-Taiwan sign destroyed. This incident contradicts Olympic values, said the Taiwan Foreign Ministry, highlighting ongoing suppression by China.

Taiwan's government on Monday urged French authorities to investigate an incident at the Paris Olympics men's doubles badminton final, where a Taiwan supporter had her sign, reading, 'Let's go Taiwan,' forcibly ripped and destroyed.

The Taiwan Foreign Ministry condemned the act as violent and contrary to the Olympic values of friendship and respect. During the same match, a towel with a similar message was also taken from a fan. Taiwan's Lee Yang and Wang Chi-Lin emerged victorious over China's Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang to win gold.

The Badminton World Federation hasn't yet responded to requests for comment on the matter. Taiwan's de-facto ambassador to France, Wu Chih-chung, highlighted Beijing's use of Chinese students and undercover officers stationed abroad to stifle support for Taiwan, Hong Kong, Tibet, and Xinjiang. China continues to subject Taiwan to political isolation and military threats, allowing the island to participate in global events only as Chinese Taipei, prohibiting the use of its flag or anthem. Despite these restrictions, Taiwanese fans sang their national anthem during the medal ceremony, garnering widespread online and media support.

(With inputs from agencies.)