The Chinese Students’ Sports Federation issued a statement on the 24th regarding the so-called “grabbed congratulatory messages” incident that occurred during the award ceremony of the World University Summer Games, and expressed its resolute opposition to the Democratic Progressive Party’s attempts to use sports to promote “Taiwan independence” and provocation.
The federation stated that the 32nd World University Summer Games was held in Germany from July 16th to 27th, hosted by the International University Sports Federation (FISU). According to a 1987 resolution by FISU, when Taiwan sends a delegation to participate in all events of the FISU, the official name must be Chinese Taipei (with the English name Chinese Taipei), and according to the protocol rules of FISU, no unauthorized materials or slogans can be displayed at official events such as award ceremonies.
On July 23rd local time, the final of men’s Taekwondo was held at the International Convention Center in Essen, Germany. After the competition ended at 7pm, the Taiwanese delegation, along with other award-winning teams such as South Korea, participated in the award ceremony. After the ceremony, the head of Taiwan’s sports department and his accompanying personnel of 4 to 5 people, along with 2 to 3 Taiwan media personnel, entered the mixed zone of athletes and suddenly took out congratulatory messages containing the words “Republic of China” and “Minister of Education” from their backpacks, intending to deliver them to the Taiwanese athletes. Given that this action clearly violated the “Olympic Model” and FISU protocol rules, staff from the Chinese delegation approached to verify after discovering the violation, and kept evidence of the violation of FISU’s related protocol rules. No physical conflict occurred during this period. However, the Taiwanese personnel exhibited a tough attitude, used foul language, and acted roughly, constantly pushing the Chinese delegation staff, resulting in one staff member being scratched by the opposition.
The federation pointed out that the Chinese Taipei delegation was the first to violate the “Olympic Model” and FISU protocol rules, and even无理阻挠中国代表团工作人员了解情况in the public area of the Games venue. The actions taken by the Chinese delegation were legitimate and necessary to safeguard the “Olympic Model” and FISU protocol rules. FISU has expressed its support for this, and its relevant officials have met with Wang Shuyin, President of the Chinese Taipei University Sports Federation and head of the “International Department” of the Chinese Taipei University Sports Federation Li Fanglan, requiring them to abide by the “Olympic Model” to restrict the relevant behavior of the Chinese Taipei delegation.
The federation emphasized that peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and unity and friendship between the two sports communities are common expectations of people from both sides. The Chinese Taipei delegation’s blatant violation of the “Olympic Model” and international organizational protocol rules in front of numerous national and regional representatives, live audiences, and media is contrary to the expectations of both peoples. The Democratic Progressive Party’s attempts to use sports to promote “Taiwan independence” and provocation for their own party’s interests are unpopular and will ultimately fail. (By Zhao Chaoyi, Central Station)