As the World Turns in Taiwan II: More Games than One In Kaohsiung

Friday July 17, by Jerome F. Keating Ph.D.

Kaohsiung, Taiwan is gloriously hosting the 8th World Games this year and some 105 countries are here to participate. But the World Games are not the only game in town. Last year when Chen Yunlin from China visited the country, Ma Ying-jeou did not want to admit he was president in front of him. He was introduced as Mr. Ma so as not to offend China. This year, however, things are different. Ma opened the games as the President of Taiwan. So why the change?

There is still yet another game being played in Kaohsiung. The team from China boycotted the opening ceremony. They did not want to be present where they marched alphabetically but Taiwan came last since it was the host country. They likewise did not want to hear the verboten statement, "The President of the Republic of China will open the games." So what did they do? They arrived late.

Late? Yes even though the dates of the games had been determined for some two years, China had a mix-up and scheduled their flights too late to make it for the opening ceremony. So now their athletes are dribbling in on later flights. Sports are sports, and politics are politics, but not quite when China and Taiwan are involved.

Did we miss them in Kaohsiung? No. They are still the rapacious beggar that wants to take over the temple of Taiwan, and Taiwan's answer is "Hit the road Jack, and don't you come back no more, no more, no more." Unfortunately with the changeable Ma masquerading as President, they will no doubt be invited back.