The team representing Taiwan at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing will take part in both the opening and closing ceremonies. That statement is a reversal of the earlier decision by the Taiwanese Olympic committee not to participate in either of the two ceremonies.
On Friday, it was announced that Taiwan’s small, 15-strong team, which includes only four athletes, will not be attending the opening or closing ceremonies due to delayed flights, restrictive COVID-19 rules, and an early return home after the games. However, Taiwan’s Olympic committee said on Monday that it received several notices from the International Olympic Committee requiring the Taiwanese team to participate.
The Taiwanese Olympic authorities say that after deliberations with the education ministry’s Sports Administration, and out of respect for the Olympic spirit, they will change their original plan and conform with the requirements. It is unclear, however, if the entire delegation will be present.
Last week, a senior official familiar with the matter told Reuters news agency that Taiwanese authorities were worried about China “downgrading” Taiwan’s status by putting its athletes on par with those from Hong Kong. Because of pressure from China, Taiwanese athletes compete in most sporting events under the name “Chinese Taipei”.
On Wednesday, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office said the Taiwanese team comes from “Taipei, China” rather than the officially accepted term “Chinese Taipei”. The words used for China in both Mandarin terms differ in meaning, with the one preferred by Taiwan referencing China as a cultural entity, rather than a state. Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council said in response that they believe the mistake was intentional.