Hayakadeu Nationality Selection Field
'Daeman', 'Chainiseu Taipei' Not Available
The 2022 FIFA Qatar World Cup organizers decided to classify Taiwanese people as "Chinese." [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] As the organizers of the 2022 FIFA Qatar World Cup announced that Taiwanese people would be classified as 'Chinese,' Taiwan has strongly opposed this, stating that "belittling Taiwan is unacceptable."
According to AFP on the 15th, Saeed Al-Kuwari, head of the 'Hayya Card' system, which serves as a temporary ID at the Qatar World Cup, told reporters the day before, "In the Hayya Card registration system, the nationality of holders of Taiwanese passports is expected to be classified as 'China.'"
He added, "Taiwanese passport holders do not select their nationality in the nationality section when applying for the Hayya Card but simply upload the relevant documents. Regardless of how the nationality is classified, the application will be approved, and they will be allowed entry."
The Hayya Card is an access pass issued by the Qatari government to individuals holding tickets for World Cup matches and also functions as a Qatar entry visa.
However, the nationality selection section on the Hayya Card online application page does not include 'Taiwan' or even 'Chinese Taipei.' Currently, Taiwan is unable to use its country name, flag, or anthem in international sports events such as the Olympics due to the 'One China' principle demanded by China in the international community.
Instead, since Taiwan was expelled from the United Nations in 1971 and a resolution was passed at the 1979 IOC meeting to designate Taiwan's name as 'Chinese Taipei,' the name 'Chinese Taipei,' the flag of the Taiwan Olympic Committee, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) anthem (Song of the National Flag) have been used.
Meanwhile, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement saying, "Belittling Taiwan is unacceptable," and "We will immediately correct their approach."
It further stated, "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan once again urges the World Cup organizing committee to ensure that inappropriate political factors do not interfere with simple sports activities and do not damage the stadium, which values fair competition and emphasizes the spirit of athletes."
Joanne Ou, spokesperson for Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, conveyed that Taiwan's representative office in Saudi Arabia has lodged a complaint with Qatari authorities regarding this issue and is awaiting a response.
On the other hand, Wang Wenbin, spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, responded to related questions at the regular briefing on the 15th by stating, "Taiwan is a part of China, which is a fundamental norm in international relations and a universal consensus of the international community."
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