“No politics at the Olympics! Bye! Thank you!” It’s fair to say that this was the most reasonable response from a group of Chinese fans gathered outside the table tennis arena at Porte de Versailles. This sentiment underscores the winding geopolitical intricacies surrounding the match between China and Chinese Taipei—commonly recognized as Taiwan outside the realm of Olympic idealism.
These issues are far from trivial. In May, the Chinese government announced it might consider imposing the death penalty on those advocating for Taiwanese independence—a complex stance, considering Taiwan operates as a de facto separate entity. This is merely another episode in a series of maneuvers and discussions reflecting the tense pre-invasion atmosphere in the region. Therefore, it seems wise to remain silent about such topics for the time being.
The Olympic Games have a knack for producing such memorable moments. During the second session on a Sunday afternoon at the South Paris Arena, the highly anticipated mixed doubles quarter-final saw China face off against its much-sought neighbor.
This matchup holds immense significance, especially considering predictions that US intelligence suggests it may not occur in Los Angeles in 2028, as China’s comprehensive military invasion is expected by 2027. A few months prior, China conducted a military exercise, Joint Sword-2024A, and released a simulation depicting an actual invasion of Taiwan. It certainly feels as if they are trying to communicate something important.
For the moment, under the warm sunlight of southwest Paris, we witnessed a sporting showdown instead of a political conflict, engaging in a contest of wiff-waff rather than warfare.
The table tennis arena is a vibrant and lively venue resembling a giant school gymnasium. It was filled to capacity, with cheers and shouts resonating under its almost cage-like roof, accompanied by an electrifying atmosphere of nationalist pride.
China is clearly the powerhouse of ping-pong, not only on the court but also outside it, with Beijing selected to host the next five World Table Tennis Grand Smash events. Throughout the arena, Chinese flags were prominently displayed, some featuring large, stylized images of the mixed doubles team, reminiscent of a rock star wedding portrait—think a ping-pong version of Kurt and Courtney.
The Chinese team boasts an impressive mixed-doubles pair: Sun Yingsha, the world No. 1 in women’s singles, and Wang Chuqin, affectionately known as Lionheart, who is currently the top player in men’s singles.
China fought back strongly after a slow start to win 4-2. Photograph: Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters
Chinese Taipei was represented by the notably youthful Lin Yun-ju, known as the Silent Assassin, and Chen Szu-yu, a 30-year-old ranked 27th on the WTT list. They entered the match as considerable underdogs. However, every aspect of the Taiwanese Olympic team’s participation—including its chosen name, absence of a flag, and no national anthem—reflects the erasure and cultural imperialism exerted by China over Taiwan.
The historical context is that both nations view each other as wayward secessionists—a notion rooted in the Chinese civil war and the exodus of the former republican government to Taiwan. Until the 1970s, Taiwan’s military objective was the “retaking” of the mainland, a prospect now viewed as absurd.
Conversely, China regards Taiwan (which it does not accept as a separate entity) as its province and dismisses its capability to field a sports team—or to face invasion. The hope is that Taiwan will simply reunite with the “motherland,” which is coincidentally significant for its essential microchip production. In this light, even the label “Made in Taiwan,” once ubiquitous, is now a significant political statement.
The Olympics have always grappled with this complex scenario. The “Lausanne agreement” dictated that Taiwan participate as Chinese Taipei—a nuanced compromise that required the nation to forgo its national symbols. Since then, these two nations have faced off in past Olympic events, with Taiwanese victories in badminton at Tokyo celebrated with noticeable exuberance by the Taiwanese contingent.
Tensions have intensified recently, particularly toward President Lai Ching-te, labeled a “dangerous separatist.” China has notably kept the option of employing force on the table, while President Biden has vaguely hinted at potential U.S. intervention.
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Ping-pong serves as a fitting arena for such rivalries, filled with intricate layers of concealed aggression. In Paris, the Chinese Taipei duo emerged dressed in somber black, showcasing a serious demeanor that received polite but chilly applause. Meanwhile, the Chinese pair basked in an enthusiastic cheer; Wang sported a red headband and leg bands, his shirt embellished with golden sparkles reminiscent of 1980s glam culture.
The match began with Chinese Taipei surprising everyone by taking an early lead, going 5-1 up amid gasps of disbelief from the audience. Doubles play is inherently quirky, often relying on strategic repositioning as the ball is volleyed back and forth, akin to a couple navigating passive-aggressive negotiations over a household chore, while the umpire sits in proximity like a stern observer.
CTP maintained their momentum to clinch the first set, exuding confidence through enthusiastic fist bumps. Yet, the Chinese duo regrouped, with Wang unleashing powerful forehand strikes, reminiscent of a leaping Elvis, propelling them through the second set efficiently.
CTP managed to snatch the third set, leaving the possibility of an upset still alive. However, Wang elevated the intensity once more, culminating in fast-paced rallies and showcasing extraordinary agility. Ultimately, the Taiwanese were overmatched by the relentless energy of the Chinese team, with the final set swiftly slipping away in China’s 4-2 victory.
In the aftermath, it was heartwarming to observe the camaraderie expressed through nods and handshakes between players and their coaches. As Wang exited, invigorating the crowd with his presence, it became impossible to ignore the allure of this grand event and the appeal of a star-studded spectacle.
China now advances to face South Korea, followed by a potential showdown with either North Korea or Hong Kong in the final—scenarios devoid of potential diplomatic entanglements. Regardless, this match stands as a poignant and undeniably peaceful moment. Whatever future developments arise, amidst the contentious dialogue and military simulations, we will always remember this day in Paris.
