運動學英文！中華台北？臺灣？The Story Behind “Chinese Taipei” and the Identity of Taiwan

In international sports competitions like the Olympics, you might have noticed the name “Chinese Taipei” instead of “Taiwan.” This name often confuses people. Why isn’t Taiwan called Taiwan at the Olympics? The answer goes back decades and involves a mix of politics, diplomacy, and the desire to compete on the world stage.
在像奧運這樣的國際體育賽事中，你可能注意到臺灣使用的是「Chinese Taipei」這個名稱，而不是「Taiwan」。這讓很多人感到困惑。為什麼在奧運上不能用臺灣的名字？答案要從數十年前說起，牽涉到政治、外交與臺灣想參與國際競賽的渴望。

After the Chinese Civil War, the Republic of China government retreated to Taiwan in 1949, while the People's Republic of China was established in Beijing. For a time, both governments claimed to be the legitimate representative of China. But in the 1970s, more and more countries began to recognize the People’s Republic of China as the sole representative of China in the United Nations and in global organizations.
中國內戰後，中華民國政府於1949年撤退至臺灣，而中華人民共和國則在北京成立。當時，兩岸政府都聲稱自己才是「中國」的合法代表。然而到了1970年代，越來越多國家轉而承認北京的中華人民共和國為中國的唯一代表，並支持其在聯合國及其他國際組織的地位。

This shift created a problem for Taiwan’s international participation, especially in the Olympics. In 1979, the International Olympic Committee recognized the Beijing government as “China” and told Taiwan it could no longer compete under the name “Republic of China.” After years of negotiation, a compromise was reached in 1981 known as the Nagoya Resolution. Under this agreement, Taiwan would compete under the name “Chinese Taipei,” with a special flag and anthem created just for international events.
這樣的改變對臺灣的國際參與造成很大困難，特別是在奧運方面。1979年，國際奧會承認北京政府為「中國」代表，並通知臺灣不能再用「中華民國」的名義參賽。經過多年的協商，1981年達成妥協，稱為「名古屋決議」。根據協議，臺灣改以「Chinese Taipei」之名參與奧運，並使用專屬的會旗與會歌。

So what does “Chinese Taipei” mean? It's a name that allows Taiwan to participate in international competitions without directly challenging the "One China" policy supported by Beijing. It's not ideal for many Taiwanese people, but it is the arrangement that has made Olympic participation possible.
那麼，「Chinese Taipei」到底是什麼意思？這個名稱是一種折衷方式，使臺灣能參與國際比賽，同時不直接挑戰中國所主張的「一中政策」。對很多臺灣人來說，這名稱並不理想，但它確實讓我們得以持續參加奧運。

Now let’s talk about Taiwan itself. Taiwan is a democratic island in East Asia, home to about 23 million people. It has its own government, passport, military, and vibrant culture. From high-tech cities like Taipei to the scenic mountains and coastlines, Taiwan is known for innovation, hospitality, and resilience.
接下來談談臺灣本身。臺灣是一個位於東亞的民主島嶼，約有2300萬人口。臺灣擁有自己的政府、護照、軍隊和充滿活力的文化。從高科技的臺北，到壯麗的山脈與海岸線，臺灣以創新、熱情好客與堅韌精神聞名。

In sports, Taiwan has produced world-class athletes in sports like baseball, taekwondo, weightlifting, and badminton. Even though they compete under the name Chinese Taipei, these athletes carry the pride and identity of Taiwan with them every time they step onto the world stage.
在體育方面，臺灣培養出許多世界級的選手，像是棒球、跆拳道、舉重與羽球等。雖然他們以「Chinese Taipei」參賽，但每次站上世界舞台時，他們都承載著臺灣的驕傲與身分認同。

This story isn’t just about names or politics. It’s about how a small island continues to make its voice heard through sport, determination, and the spirit of its people.
這不僅僅是名稱或政治的故事，它更是關於一座小島如何透過運動、意志力與人民的精神，讓世界聽見自己的聲音。

participate：參與

例句：Taiwan wants to participate in international competitions.

compromise：妥協、折衷。

例句：The name Chinese Taipei was a political compromise.

representative：代表。

例句：Each country sends a representative to the UN.

diplomacy：外交。

例句：The naming issue involves sensitive diplomacy.

anthem：國歌或代表歌曲。

例句：Chinese Taipei uses a special anthem at the Olympics.

resilience：韌性、堅韌。

例句：Taiwan is admired for its resilience in the face of pressure.