- China wants Taiwan to be part of its territory.
- Taiwan accuses China of bullying.
- All spectators must have an ID card during the FIFA World Cup.
Taiwan accused China of “bullying” after the island’s name wound up as “Chinese Taipei” on a FIFA World Cup fan identity card following several modifications by Qatari organizers.
The “Hayya” fan ID card system functions as a visa for entry into the nation and a stadium pass.
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Initially, neither Taiwan nor Chinese Taipei — the name used for the island in international sporting events — were available as alternatives on the Hayya internet portal, and officials speculated that Taiwanese fans could be identified as Chinese.
Last week, a “Taiwan” tag was inserted in response to a complaint by the island, but it was changed back to “Chinese Taipei” due to “interferences” by Beijing, according to Taiwan’s foreign ministry.
“We express deep regret over the Qatar World Cup organizers’ failure to resist improper interferences by political powers,” said the ministry’s deputy spokesman Tsuei Ching-lin at a press conference.
“The foreign ministry again condemns the Chinese government’s bullying… and its political manipulation of international sports events.”
China claims democratic, self-governing Taiwan to be part of its territory, a position Taipei strongly opposes and has vowed to eventually seize it by force if necessary.
Beijing recoils at any usage of the term Taiwan, such as when Lithuania permitted Taipei to create a de facto embassy under its own name last year, for fear that it lends the island an aura of international legitimacy.
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A 1981 deal with the International Olympic Committee permitted Taiwan to compete on the international stage under the moniker “Chinese Taipei.”
During the World Cup, which runs from November 21 to December 18, Qatar expects over one million spectators to arrive, and all must register for an ID card.
