Taiwan Olympic Items Confiscated: France's Role Under Scrutiny

At the Paris Olympics, security guards have repeatedly confiscated merchandise supporting Taiwanese athletes. It is believed that surveillance by Chinese authorities, who claim that Taiwan is part of China, is behind the overreach. This has led to a growing backlash in Taiwan. Additionally, there have been reports of individuals believed to be Chinese seizing such items from spectators.

In response, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has issued a statement condemning these actions. They are "contrary to the Olympic spirit." Furthermore, says MOFA, they "undermine the rule of law and infringe on freedom of expression."

Taiwanese Fans' Creative Solutions

Bowing to China's demands, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has designated Taiwan's Olympic participation under the name "Chinese Taipei." IOC rules do not allow the use of Taiwan's national flag or anthem. However, there is no specific rule banning items printed with the word "Taiwan."

*Men's skeet bronze medalist Lee Meng Yuan Lee of Taiwan celebrates with a flag. (©REUTERS by Amr Alfiky)*

Taiwanese spectators created multiple social media groups to exchange ideas about support items and slogans for the games. Instead of the national flag, they prepared placards featuring the Chinese Taipei Olympic flag and illustrations of bubble tea. Others featured the word "Taiwan," which is also the nickname for the Taiwanese badminton duo Lee Wang and Yang Chi-lin.

IOC Complicity

According to Taiwan's Central News Agency (CAN), on August 2, during the men's badminton doubles semifinals, security guards confiscated a towel from a Taiwanese man. The towel was imprinted with the word "Taiwan." In a separate incident, a man believed to be Chinese forcefully snatched a poster saying "Go Taiwan" from a woman who was holding it.

On August 4, at the badminton doubles final between Taiwan and China, security guards confiscated a blank board from Sandy Hsueh, president of the Taiwanese Association in France. Hsueh expressed anger, saying, "We (Taiwanese fans) are clearly being targeted. Chinese spectators in the lower seats were waving flags that exceeded the regulated size, blocking the view of people behind them."

*Spectators holding Taiwanese flags with a plum blossom motif at the venue for the Paris Olympics men’s doubles badminton final on August 4, Paris (©Reuters/Kyodo).*

A non-security event staff member reportedly told her, "The IOC has directed us that any items related to or representing Taiwan are prohibited."

According to CNA, witnesses observed a Chinese woman using her phone to direct security guards on which items to confiscate at the venue. An anonymous Chinese human rights activist commented, "For matches involving Taiwan, the Chinese government sends staff to the venue to monitor the flags and report to the IOC."

Revolution's Shadow Over France

On August 7, Michio Ezaki, a noted author, discussed the controversy on the Japanese news program Nippon Journal. His remarks focused on the troubling parallels between the French Revolution's legacy and France's current policies regarding the treatment of Taiwanese supporters during the Games.

*Michio Ezaki giving a lecture titled ‘Points of Economic Security’ on August 2, 2021, Nara City (© Sankei Shimbun).*

Ezaki observed, "There were criticisms about elements reminiscent of the French Revolution in the opening ceremony. For example, celebrating the Revolution with guillotine executions and mocking Christianity. Ultimately, France is still rooted in the legacy of the French Revolution. The French Revolution's core principle was that it was permissible to eliminate one's enemies, including monarchs and the church, through violence, repression, and the confiscation of property."

He added, "This historical mindset mirrors France's current stance. In other words, supporting China's Communist Revolution while suppressing groups that oppose it, such as those from Taiwan. Those who justify revolutions often undermine freedom of speech and property rights."

France's Olympic Paradox

"France claims that freedom and democracy began with the French Revolution, which is absurd," he continued. "It's ironic that a country that rejected freedom and democracy during the Revolution now touts it as the birthplace of these principles. It's a lesson in how revolutions can be deeply flawed."

He concluded, "The Paris Olympics has clarified a lot. Some anti-revolutionary intellectuals in France argue that revolutions should be rejected to protect freedom and democracy. Yet, the general public still experiences the negative aspects of this revolutionary influence. Overall, it's been a stark and troubling reality."

Global Support Amid Oppression

These incidents have prompted international spectators to show support for Taiwanese attendees. Posts in Taiwanese spectators' social media groups recounted how nearby foreign spectators received Taiwanese support items and cheered for Taiwan.

*Taiwan’s Lee Yang and Wang Chi-lin (center) standing on the podium at the men’s doubles badminton award ceremony on August 4, Paris (©AP).*

Francois Wu, Taiwan's representative in France, who watched the final, expressed dissatisfaction with the discriminatory treatment. "When facing the Chinese team, the IOC handles Taiwan very strictly. The venue was filled with Chinese flags, yet even our 'Go Taiwan' message boards were confiscated." He added that this situation not only informed the international community about Taiwan's predicament but also united the nation.

Incidentally, Lee and Wang defeated their Chinese opponents in the badminton doubles final to claim the gold. "From the players to the spectators, this match demonstrated Taiwan's fortitude. In light of the IOC's treatment, this victory is even sweeter," he said.

Author: Daniel Manning