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BEIJING 2008: Taiwan troubles Games officials

Taiwan remains a nagging problem for the Beijing Olympics.

Taiwan is already out of the Torch Relay after officials failed to compromise over the route of the relay. Taiwan wanted the torch to enter and leave from a country other than China. China wanted the torch to leave Taiwan for Hong Kong, which seemed to suggest that Taiwan was part of China's domestic route -- and hence, part of China.

The Chinese also failed to get guarantees that Taiwanese flags would not be displayed along the route.

Now there is confusion over whether Taiwanese government officials will be invited to the Olympics.

Taiwan, is one of 205 National Olympic Committees (NOCs). Zhao Huimin, director of BOCOG's international relations department, said this week that all NOCs and guests would be welcome.

"Beijing as the host welcomes all guests of all NOCs," he said.

However, he then hedged when asked if political leaders of Taiwan would be welcome if they were invited by their NOC.

"Up to now I haven't got any information about that," he said.

Pressed on the question, he replied: "There are 205 NOCs recognized by the IOC, but only 192 sovereign states recognized by the United Nations. So not all the NOCs are sovereign states or nations ... Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan are inseparable from China. We welcome all Chinese people to come to Beijing for the Olympics Games."

So will Taiwanese officials be coming or not?

The most difficult Taiwanese for China to stomach would be President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁), who leaves office next month.
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