Nagoya Asian Games: 'Taiwan' Towel Banned! Chiang Wan-an Says Cheering for Taiwan Should Not Be a Taboo

At the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games baseball event, the Taiwan team defeated the Chinese team on the 27th to win the bronze medal. However, during the semifinal match between Taiwan and China the day before, a fan in the stands waving a 'Team Taiwan' towel was stopped by event staff, sparking controversy. In response, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an posted on Facebook on the 27th, saying, 'There is no need to apologize for cheering for Taiwan. Shouting 'Taiwan' should not be a taboo.' Chiang stated, 'Cheering for Taiwan should not be a taboo. In the Taiwan vs. China baseball game at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, Taiwanese players fought hard on the field, and Taiwanese fans in the stands held up towels with the word 'Taiwan' to cheer for their players, but were stopped.' He added, 'Shouting 'Team Taiwan' is the most direct expression of Taiwanese fans' feelings. The Chinese Taipei team players sweat and fight on the field, and Taiwanese fans cheer for the glory of Taiwan on the sidelines. This is the purest national sentiment. 'Taiwan' is our home and the name by which the world knows us. It is not a political taboo, nor should it be viewed through colored glasses.' Chiang emphasized, 'The sports arena should allow athletes to compete well and fans to cheer well, not let politics override sports. I have previously stated that I oppose any actions that suppress Taiwan's international space or limit Taiwan's international participation. There is no need to apologize for cheering for Taiwan. Shouting 'Taiwan' should not be a taboo.'