TAIPEI (Taiwan News) —With the opening of the Paris Summer Olympics Games on Saturday (July 27), there have been reported incidents of venue staff asking attendees to remove references to the Taiwan flag, including small handkerchief-sized flags, patches on bags, and even face paint resembling the national flag, per UDN.

Failure to comply with such requests would result in removal from the venue despite proper credentials or tickets. While the public may be confused over the prohibition of the Taiwan flag at the venue, it's an Olympic policy clearly stated in ticketing regulations that only official flags of regions or countries participating in the Olympics are allowed into venues. 

For example, flags from individual regions seeking independence, such as Spain’s Basque country, Tibet, or Quebec, are categorically banned.

While supporters of other countries can wave century-old flags to cheer on compatriots, Taiwanese supporters must use the “Plum Blossom Banner,” which has officially represented the Taiwan Olympic team since 1981.

Any reference to the red and blue of Taiwan’s national flag will be scrutinized by security staff, who are equipped with special reference materials illustrating which flags are banned from Olympic venues.

Two other national flags—Russia and Belarus—have been temporarily banned due to their involvement in the Ukraine war. Athletes from Russia and Belarus are only allowed to compete after passing an interview process and agreeing to compete under “AIN,” which means “neutral individual athletes.” 

Furthermore, Russian athletes have not been able to compete under their national flag since 2016 due to doping incidents.