Flags banned, signs ripped up: Why you can’t mention Taiwan at the Olympics

Why does Taiwan compete as Chinese Taipei in the Olympics? Geopolitics is at the heart of the dispute.

PARIS — The table tennis arena was a churning sea of color, with spectators waving the Chinese five stars and the French tricolor. But despite its athletes competing on the floor, one competitor's flag was nowhere to be seen: Taiwan’s.

At Paris 2024, Taiwan’s red and blue flag is banned, as is the name “Taiwan” and its anthem. The island, which is claimed by Beijing, is only one of three competitors whose flag is banned from these Olympics, the others being Russia and Belarus over the invasion of Ukraine.

The policy has seen several flashpoints at these Games.

During Sunday’s thrilling men’s doubles badminton final, in which Taiwan’s Lee Yang and Wang Chi-lin bested China’s Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang to retain their title from Tokyo, a sign reading “Let’s go Taiwan” was ripped out of a fan’s hands and torn up.

Security staff confiscated a "Taiwan" towel from a fan during the men's doubles badminton semi-final last week.Arun Sankar / AFP via Getty ImagesA green towel reading “Taiwan” was confiscated from another supporter during the match, according to news reports and witnesses. Those who were there said it was not clear who seized the items.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/flags-banned-taiwan-olympics-chinese-taipei-rcna165502

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