Bitter aftertaste: Taiwan’s leading baristas forced to compete at global coffee championship as ‘Chinese Taipei’
Summary
Taiwanese baristas must now compete in the World Coffee Championships under the name "Chinese Taipei" instead of Taiwan. This change follows pressure linked to China’s claims over Taiwan and has upset many in Taiwan’s coffee community who see it as part of a larger effort to reduce Taiwan’s international recognition.Key Facts
- Taiwan’s World Coffee Champion Berg Wu used to compete under the name Taiwan, with the Taiwanese flag.
- The World Coffee Championships (WCC) announced Taiwanese participants must now compete as "Chinese Taipei."
- This change is retroactive, affecting past winners like Wu.
- The name "Chinese Taipei" is often used due to political pressure from China, which claims Taiwan as its territory.
- Taiwan has faced similar naming pressures in other international events like the Olympics.
- China uses its economic and political influence to reduce Taiwan’s participation in global organizations.
- Taiwanese coffee professionals feel this decision erases their identity on the world stage.
- The Taiwan Coffee Association is discussing the issue with WCC but may have limited options if WCC does not change its policy.
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