Qatar World Cup Taiwan Notation Ultimately Follows China's Intent... 'Chinese Taipei' Will Be Used

Taiwan and China Clash Over 'Taiwan' Notation
Ultimately Settled as 'Chinese Taipei'... Implies 'Part of China'

Taiwan is listed as "Chinese Taipei" on the official Qatar World Cup website. Photo by Qatar World Cup official website capture.

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] Amid tensions between China and Taiwan over Taiwan's designation at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, the organizers have revised Taiwan's official designation to "Chinese Taipei." This implies that Taiwan is part of China, a designation favored by China. Previously, Taiwan was labeled as "Taiwan, Province of China," then changed to "Taiwan," and now the designation has been revised once again.

According to China's Huanqiu Shibao on the 21st, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed welcome at a press conference the day before regarding the organizers' revision of Taiwan's designation to "Chinese Taipei" in the online ticket purchasing system for the Qatar World Cup.

Wang Wenbin, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated, "Taiwan is a part of China, and upholding the 'One China Principle' is a fundamental principle of international relations and a widely shared consensus in the international community. We welcome the Qatar government’s handling of this matter in accordance with consistent international sports principles."

On the other hand, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly protested, saying, "The organizers failed to strictly prevent the undue intervention of political forces." The Ministry said the day before, "The Chinese government ignores the international community's attention and support from various sectors for Taiwan, relying on the fictitious 'One China' principle to bully the weak. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will closely cooperate with the Football Association to protect the rights and dignity of our football fans and continue frank communication with the organizers."

Initially, the organizers labeled Taiwan as "Taiwan, Province of China" in the online ticket purchasing system. After strong protests from Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the organizers revised Taiwan's official designation to "Taiwan" on the 16th.