Taiwan Tati Cultural and Educational Foundation

Today the nation goes to the polls as voters will be casting ballots not just for the nine-in-one local elections, but also in a record number of 10 referendums. However, the elections are unique for another reason: China’s nefarious influence looms large as it brazenly interferes behind the scenes in Taiwan’s democratic affairs.

Beijing’s antics have not gone unnoticed by the international community, and its actions have compelled the US and Japanese governments to voice concern.

Team Taiwan Campaign members protest outside the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee’s office at the Sports Administration building in Taipei yesterday.
Photo: Peter Lo, Taipei Times

Advocates of changing the national sports team’s name yesterday accused the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee (CTOC) of working for China instead of upholding the rights of Taiwanese, and called on the public to vote “yes” on referendum No. 13 so athletes can compete under the name “Taiwan” at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.