TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Chen Shyh-kwei (陳士魁), honorary vice chairman of the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee (中華奧林匹克委員會), clarified that the Olympics rules aim to prevent disputes, not target individuals, regarding the controversy over the pro-Taiwan items seized at the Games.
A fan waving a "Taiwan" towel Friday (Aug. 2) at the Games faced confiscation by officials, while another's Taiwan-shaped poster was taken away by an alleged Chinese national, igniting a debate over Olympic regulations.
The incidents occurred during the Men's Doubles badminton semifinal between Taiwanese players Lee Yang (李洋) and Wang Chi-lin (王齊麟) and their Danish opponents.
Officials also seized a towel with the slogan "Taiwan In," a celebratory item from Lee and Wang's gold medal win at the Tokyo Olympics.
Chen, in an interview with the Central News Agency (CNA, 中央社), emphasized that these regulations have been consistent across various Olympics, aiming to prevent disputes rather than target individuals.
According to the Olympic website, only flags of participating countries are allowed, and advertising materials that include a political message or are deemed contrary to public order are restricted.
Cheng Shih-chung (鄭世忠), director-general of the Sports Administration (體育署), in an interview with the CNA, acknowledged the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) rules but pointed out the global recognition of Lee and Wang's Taiwanese origins.
