US Reps. demand fair treatment for Taiwanese athletes

WASHINGTON (TVBS News) — Three U.S. lawmakers have called on the International Olympic Committee (IOC)  on Thursday (July 2) to reconsider its "unfair" treatment of Taiwanese athletes, who have been forced to compete under the name "Chinese Taipei" for decades.

In a letter to IOC President Thomas Bach, Republican Representatives Tom Tiffany, Andy Ogles, and Chris Smith criticized the discriminatory restrictions imposed on Taiwan, urging the committee to reject Beijing's bullying.

For over 40 years, the IOC, under pressure from the Chinese Communist Party, has required Taiwanese athletes to compete under the name "Chinese Taipei," prohibiting the display of Taiwan's national flag and the playing of its national anthem during competitions.

The lawmakers contended that this conduct is unjust and contravenes the fundamental tenets of the Olympic Charter, which emphasize equal access to sports without bias and the imperative for the Olympic movement to maintain political impartiality.

The lawmakers pointed out that Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory, is not forced to participate in the Olympics as "American San Juan" (San Juan being the capital and largest city of Puerto Rico). Similarly, Bermuda, a British Overseas Territory, does not have to compete as "British Hamilton" (the capital of Bermuda). Furthermore, Puerto Rico and Bermuda can use their flags during the opening and award ceremonies.

The lawmakers noted that these unreasonable restrictions extend to Taiwanese citizens, who are reportedly banned from waving their national flag inside Olympic venues.

Tiffany, Ogles, and Smith urged Bach and other Olympic officials to resist "China's ongoing bullying behavior" and consider lifting the discriminatory restrictions on Taiwanese athletes and supporters ahead of the Paris Olympics.

The Paris Olympics are scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11.