Taiwan Tati Cultural and Educational Foundation

The 2012 Olympics showcases to the sports world that Taiwan’s long-standing “strategic ambiguity” remains the rule of the day. The 44 Taiwanese athletes competing in the London games do not represent Taiwan or even the Republic of China in-exile. Instead, the athletes from the island of Formosa must compete under the name Chinese Taipei or be barred from participation.

Taiwan is also excluded from the World Health Organization but permitted observer status under the Chinese Taipei name. However, it is not just the name Chinese Taipei that has been imposed on the Olympic competitors in London, now a new flag has been unfurled.

The government has successfully amended the law to relax legal restrictions on beef imports containing residue of ractopamine. Considering the entire process surrounding this heated dispute, President Ma Ying-jeou’s (馬英九) administration really needs to take a moment to reflect and make improvements.

The government has repeatedly promised to ensure clear labeling of beef products so that consumers can avoid buying and eating certain products. This may seem feasible enough, but with the abundance of marketing channels and an inefficient government, implementation will prove difficult and it will be pretty much impossible for the public to put their minds at ease.