The Taiwan Coffee Association has announced that the World Coffee Championships (WCC) now requires all Taiwanese participants to compete under the name "Chinese Taipei" as a "basic and unavoidable condition for participating." This decision has sparked outrage among Taiwan's coffee community, including previous winners like Berg Wu, who won the World Barista Championship in 2016.
Background of the Decision
Berg Wu, the first Taiwanese person to win the World Barista Championship, recalls the pride he felt when he draped the Republic of China flag over his shoulders after his victory in Dublin. However, the new rule applies retroactively, meaning his win now represents an entity he does not recognize. Wu expressed frustration over the lack of transparency, stating that no competitors or coffee community members were informed beforehand.
China's Broader Campaign
The move is seen as part of China's ongoing efforts to shrink Taiwan's international space. For decades, Taiwanese athletes have competed under "Chinese Taipei" in the Olympics due to pressure from Beijing, which claims Taiwan as its territory. The WCC's decision extends this formula to the coffee industry, drawing parallels to China's influence over international organizations and companies.
Reactions from the Coffee Community
Many Taiwanese baristas and coffee enthusiasts have expressed anger and dismay. On social media, one barista said the decision made him "so angry [he] was shaking." The Taiwan Coffee Association is currently in talks with the WCC, but Berg Wu acknowledges that non-compliance effectively means exclusion from competition.
Implications for Taiwan
This incident highlights the growing pressure on Taiwan from China, which has reduced Taipei's diplomatic allies to just 12 countries. International companies increasingly refer to Taiwan as a "province of China" to avoid losing access to the Chinese market. Sean Chen, a professor at the National Taiwan Sport University, warns that this "Olympic formula" is spreading across various fields, erasing Taiwanese identity in international societies.
