TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Twenty-four overseas Taiwanese organizations signed a letter on Friday (Aug. 9) calling on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to allow athletes to compete under the name “Taiwan” instead of the designation “Chinese Taipei.”

The letter was initiated by the Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA), a Washington, D.C.-based non-governmental organization advocating for Taiwan independence, along with 23 overseas organizations from the US, Japan, Europe, Argentina, and Costa Rica. These organizations included Asociación de Taiwán en Argentina, All Japan Taiwanese Union, Taiwan Association in Sweden, and Taiwanese American Citizens League. They urged IOC Chair Thomas Bach and executive board members to allow Taiwan to compete under its own name, flag, and anthem.

FAPA President Kao Su-mei (林素梅) initiated the joint letter, calling Taiwan “a sovereign, independent country,” according to CNA. He accused the IOC of violating the principles of non-discrimination and political neutrality in the Olympic Charter by forcing Taiwan to use the name “Chinese Taipei.” Kao described the name as “derogatory” and “detrimental to Taiwan’s dignity.”

Kao claimed that China was behind the name designation, as it exerts pressure on the IOC. The letter argued that “Chinese Taipei” implies that Taiwan is part of China, even though Kao said the Chinese Communist Party has never ruled Taiwan.

The letter also criticized how the Olympics have restricted spectators from openly supporting Taiwan or carrying items with the slogan “Taiwan independence.” It noted that Olympic security has confiscated banners with this language on several occasions, and in some instances, fans have been escorted from the venue.

In 1981, the IOC and the Republic of China (Taiwan) Olympic Committee agreed on the name “Chinese Taipei.” The compromise allowed Taiwan to compete without presenting itself as a sovereign nation.