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Yuan Weimin, the President of China's Olympic Committee (COC) who
lately returned from his visit to Taiwan, declined to rule out the
possibility of co-sponsoring the 2008 Olympic Games with the island
province of Taiwan on the premise of "One-China" principle
should Beijing be granted the 2008 Games.
Huang Ta-chow, Chairman of the 'Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee'
(CTOC) said many a time that Beijing's bid reflects the common desire
of the whole Chinese nation including the people in Taiwan. And
he also called for concerted efforts by both sides of the Taiwan
Straits to realize the aspiration of the whole Chinese people to
host the Olympic Games, according to Yuan.
But in accordance with the Olympic Charter of the International
Olympic Committee (IOC), the Games could only be staged in one city
of one country, Yuan reiterated.
The COC official declined to rule out the possibility of moving
some Games events to Taiwan. "Beijing is willing to discuss
on the issue with Taiwan according to the 'one-China' principle
if it wins the bid. But any decision on the issue needs an IOC approval
beforehand," he said.
Invited by COC, the CTOC will send a delegation to Beijing this
June on a familiarization visit to Beijing's Olympic bid.
Press reports from Taiwan say that the official of CTOC wished
to sponsor some of the 2008 Games events for it is popularly believed
that the co-hosting of the games will greatly benefit Taiwan. From
the economic point of view, it will provide Taiwan with many commercial
opportunities. In regard with the sports it will promote sports
exchanges, and will enhance reconciliation and cooperation between
the two sides of the Taiwan Straits so far as the political aspect
is concerned.
(People's Daily 05/15/2001)
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