TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwan’s prime minister wants Taiwan’s Olympic speed skaters to be punished for wearing what appears to be a Chinese team suit during training.
The ruling Communist Party in China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, even though the island has long been run by its own government and is trying to terrorize democracy by flying fighter jets and bombers nearby, two of which are particularly sensitive symbols. .
On January 23, Huang Yuting, one of four Taiwanese athletes participating in the Winter Olympics, posted a video on her social media page showing her training in what appeared to be a Chinese suit, according to the Central News Agency. It said Mr Huang apologized and deleted the video.
The Central News Agency quoted cabinet spokesman Luo Pingcheng as saying that Prime Minister Su Zengchang had asked the Ministry of Education and the General Administration of Sports to conduct an investigation so that Huang would be “sufficiently punished”.
The Olympics are one facet of Beijing’s broader campaign to isolate Taiwan.
The International Olympic Committee requires Taiwanese athletes to compete under the name “Chinese Taipei,” which belies the island’s longstanding autonomous status.
The Taiwan Sports Bureau said Huang would not face any punishment but should be “more aware of the sensitivities of cross-strait politics,” according to CNA.
Taiwan Olympic team leader Steven Chen said the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee will review whether Huang is wearing appropriate clothing in April, CNA reported.
