The symbols of both sides are particularly sensitive at a moment when China’s ruling Communist Party claims Taiwan as its territory despite the fact that Taiwan has operated with its own government for many years, and is trying to intimidate democracy by flying fighter planes and bombers close by.
The Central News Agency reported that Huang Yu-ting, one the four Taiwanese athletes in the Winter Games, uploaded a Jan. 23 video to her social media pages showing her training in what looked like a Chinese suit. The Central News Agency reported that Huang Yu-ting had apologized and removed her video.
Premier Su Tseng Chang asked the Ministry of Education to investigate Huang’s “adequate punishment”, CNA reported. Lo Ping-cheng, a spokesperson for the Cabinet, was quoted.
Beijing is pursuing a broad campaign to isolate Taiwan through the Olympics.
International Olympic Committee demands that Taiwanese athletes compete under the “Chinese Taipei” name, which is a derogatory to the island’s self-rule status.
According to CNA, Taiwan’s Sports Administration stated that Huang would not face any penalty but that they should be more aware of the sensitive nature of cross-Taiwan Strait politics.
Steven Chen, Taiwan’s Olympic team leader, stated that the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee will review Huang’s attire in April, according to CNA.
