BTN News: A recent incident at the Paris Olympics has caused a lot of concern. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan condemned the removal of a spectator from the badminton stadium. This fan was holding a green banner that read “Go Taiwan” during a match on Friday. The removal happened while Taiwanese player Chou Tien Chen was playing. Two journalists from Reuters saw the fan being loudly escorted out of the stadium. This has upset many people, especially because of the sensitive political situation between Taiwan and China. Taiwan competes in the Olympics as “Chinese Taipei” to avoid objections from China. China claims Taiwan as its own territory, but Taiwan has its own government and does not agree with China’s claims.
In a statement on Saturday, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the “crude and despicable” actions of those who took away the “Go Taiwan” banner during the Olympics. The ministry said that this act was not only rude but also a serious violation of the Olympic spirit, the rule of law, and freedom of speech. They also mentioned that other fans with banners saying “Taiwan” were removed by security.
François Wu, Taiwan’s representative in France, reported the incident to the local police. He posted a picture on Facebook with the expelled spectator, thanking the students for cheering on Taiwan’s badminton players. His message said, “Thanks to the students who have worked hard to cheer on our badminton heroes! Go Taiwan!”
When asked for comments, the Paris 2024 press office directed questions to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which has not yet responded. This incident highlights the political tension around the use of green, a color associated with Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party. This color is often used by those who support Taiwan’s separate identity and possible independence from China.
Badminton is a popular sport in both Taiwan and China, and many fans have come to watch the games at the Olympics. Some Taiwanese fans have held the official “Chinese Taipei” Olympic flag, but many have been cheering “Taiwan!” during matches, especially when stars like Tai Tzu Ying play.
The removal of a fan for supporting Taiwan shows the ongoing struggle for recognition and respect on the world stage. The incident raises important questions about freedom of expression and how political influence affects international sports events. The actions of Olympic officials and their response to these incidents will be closely watched and discussed, considering the broader political dynamics.
In summary, the removal of a Taiwanese spectator for holding a “Go Taiwan” banner at the Paris Olympics has been sharply criticized by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This event highlights the ongoing political sensitivity between Taiwan and China. It also brings attention to issues of freedom of speech, national identity, and how politics and sports intersect on the global stage.
