Why is it political? Because China does not recognize Taiwan's independence, and holds much influence over the games. Taiwan competes under the name of Chinese Taipei at the Olympics, and beat China for the gold in doubles Badminton.

[–] Lucidlethargy@sh.itjust.works 47 points 3 months ago (2 children)

It's only political if you're China. Everyone else is fine with "Taiwan".

The CCP has such an incredibly thin skin. This is such a massive show of weakness.

[–] orcrist@lemm.ee 5 points 3 months ago

It's not about thin skin or weakness. The point is to show China's power, to force international agencies to bow down. They did. The message was sent and received.

[–] themeatbridge@lemmy.world 4 points 3 months ago (1 children)

It's "political" in the sense that it involves politics. I think you mean to say that it isn't "controversial" outside of China, but I would still disagree. A lot of countries are more influenced by China than Americans and Western Europeans, and are reluctant to use the name Taiwan or imply they are an independent nation.

[–] awwwyissss@lemm.ee 1 points 3 months ago

Yeah, then their border patrol happily accepts the Taiwanese passport.

[–] Madison420@lemmy.world 10 points 3 months ago

Then the name china can't appear on apparel either it being just as political in reference to the same situation.

They only compete as Chinese Taipei because China has leaned on the commission to not recognize their nation even while self governed. It's the UK telling Canada they can't have Canadian merchandise and have to compete under their Commonwealth name.

[–] doingthestuff@lemmy.world 2 points 3 months ago (2 children)

I'm also curious if there are size restrictions for signs? In my area it's common to restrict signs to the size of a sheet of paper.

[–] themeatbridge@lemmy.world 7 points 3 months ago (1 children)

That might be a rule. I know I've seen people waving flags, but I don't remember seeing a lot of signs. Maybe?

But it wouldn't have mattered if someone had written the word Taiwan on a postcard; if they were holding it up during the games, it would have been confiscated.

[–] Madison420@lemmy.world 2 points 3 months ago

It's neither it appears to be a soccer style scarf, I'm not sure of any clothes that are banned unless they show something independently unlawful.

[–] birne 5 points 3 months ago

No, I was in the arena (not in this session but in others) and the size was definitely not a problem. There were people with bedsheets that they wrote stuff on without anyone confiscating them.