Taipei highlighted “pandemic prevention measures” but this decision occurs in a moment of great voltage with China.
Le Monde with AFP
This is not really a surprise: Taiwan will not send official representation to the ceremonies of the Olympic Winter Games in Beijing, announced on Friday, January 28 the Taiwanese instance in charge of sport. It motivates its decision by CVIV-19 restrictions and air traffic disruptions.
But this announcement then intervenes that the relations between Beijing and Taipei have been at the lowest for decades, China intensifying military and economic pressure on this territory with its own democratic government.
The Taiwan Sports Administration has indicated Friday night in a statement that the 15 members of the official delegation will not attend opening and closing ceremonies because “pandemic prevention measures and schedules Flights “, which depending on it would not allow everyone to arrive in Beijing in time. A small team of four Taiwanese sportsmen must, on the other hand, take part in the events.
A strong Taiwanese delegation in 2008
China considers Taiwan as a rebel province and swore to seize one day of the island, by force if necessary. A record number of Chinese hunting aircraft did incursions in the Taiwan Air Defense Identification Area (ADIZ), and the People’s Liberation Army regularly organizes exercises simulating an invasion.
Beijing increases the pressure on Taipei since the election in 2016 to the Taiwan Presidency of Tsai Ing-Wen, which believes that the island is a sovereign nation and is not part of China. In 2008, while relationships were better, a major Taiwanese delegation had attended the Olympic Summer Games in Beijing.
The question of Taiwan representation at the Olynes has been a subject of disagreement between Beijing and Taipei for decades. Under an agreement concluded in 1981, Taiwan participates in the Olympic Games under the banner of “Taipei Chinese”. This compromise allows Taiwan to take part in sports competitions without presenting as a sovereign nation.