Captain Chen Chieh-hsien celebrated the decisive win over Japan by gesturing to the blank space on his jersey where a team's country name is usually written. The moment went viral on social media as a symbol of defiance against China, which puts pressure on international bodies for the name Taiwan not to be used. He communicated a powerful message: it was to let everyone know they are players from Taiwan, not just 'Chinese Taipei'.
Thank you for putting Taiwan at the top of the world. You're all the light of Taiwan, President Lai Ching-te told the winning team. The event, celebrated in a ticker tape parade, highlighted the surge of pride among the Taiwanese people. The athletes, who donned black hoodies emblazoned with 'Taiwan', are considered heroes, illustrating a national identity that is clearly distinct from its political restrictions.
Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim expressed gratitude to the baseball team for letting the world see Taiwan, emphasizing that the name is sometimes neglected on the world stage. She remarked on the underlying pride associated with Taiwan, acknowledging the 'sadness, setbacks, and challenges' that exist alongside the achievements. This sentiment captures the complex relationship Taiwan has with its identity on international platforms.
Collection
[
|
...
]