Premier Lai Ching-te at Thursday's Cabinet meeting forcefully condemned Beijing's coercive tactics in its continued efforts to suppress Taiwan's autonomy and engagement with the international community. Incidents include blocking Taiwan's participation as an observer in the World Health Assembly, compelling multinational companies and airlines to change the designation of Taiwan on their official websites, and forcing the East Asian Olympic Committee (EAOC) to revoke Taichung's right to host the 2019 East Asian Youth Games.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Yuan, the premier said that such actions are unacceptable to the people of Taiwan and cause consternation and distress among the dedicated and hard-working young athletes of all nations. Neither will the global community condone such behavior.
Following the 2009 World Games in Kaohsiung, the 2009 Summer Deaflympics in Taipei, and the 2017 Summer Universiade in Taipei, the East Asian Youth Games would be the fourth large-scale international multisport competition and the first associated with the Olympics to be staged by Taiwan. As host city Taichung has already devoted significant resources to preparations for the games, to now revoke the city's hosting right affects not only Taiwan's athletes but the 2,300 competitors from nine participating countries and territories as well.
The premier instructed the Ministry of Education to extend full assistance to the Taichung City Government and the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee in appealing the EAOC's decision in accordance with the provisions of the agreement, and make every effort to defend Taiwan's dignity and guard the rights of athletes from all participating countries. He also directed ministries and agencies to help Taichung in mapping out an appropriate response strategy regarding the sporting venues under construction and the overall plans for the games.