China Stealth Boycott Looms for Taiwan's Biggest Sporting Event
- Mainland teams spurn chance to compete at 2017 Universiade
- Organizers reject Chinese calls to sideline President Tsai
SHENYANG, CHINA - AUGUST 10: A flag is waved by Chinese fans during the Men's First Round Group C match between New Zealand and Brazil in Shenyang Olympic Stadium on Day 2 of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 10, 2008 in Shenyang, China.
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Next month’s World University Games in Taipei have become the latest focal point of tensions between China and Taiwan, with many mainland athletes staying home.
No Chinese teams will take part in the global sporting event that begins Aug. 18 -- the largest ever hosted by the diplomatically isolated Taiwan. While Beijing has denied any official boycott, it’s the first time in four decades that the games, also known as the Universiade, won’t feature team competitors from the mainland.