Book World Prague Stands Firm: Taiwanese Flag Flies High Despite China's Annoyance
- Contributor: CNA
Taiwanese flag on display at book fair, despite China's objections
At the 2025 Book World Prague, the Republic of China (ROC) flag proudly waves over a stand featuring Taiwanese literature, all thanks to the event's tenacious organizer, Radovan Auer.
Pressure from China was no match for our democratic values,said Auer in an interview on Friday. We're the last ones who'd think about hiding our flag, he asserted, pointing to the fair's emphasis on freedom of speech and their special award dedicated to this very cause.
The flag will stay put, ruled Auer, as it's not against any Czech Republic law.
China's frustration ensued after they lobbied for the label of the online search column to be replaced from "Countries" to "Countries and Regions," stating Taiwan was not a sovereign nation. Though the organizer heeded China's request on the label change, Taiwanese publisher Mi:Lu Publishing rebelled against the political pressure and placed the ROC flag at their stand.
Mi:Lu Publishing editor-in-chief Chiang Tzu-hsuan (江子瑄) reasoned that the flag's presence was essential to maintain Taiwan's identity and sovereignty.
Despite China's insistence, the organizer staunchly refused to halt the distribution of printed catalogs, following the announcement of the fair's partnership with Taiwan's Ministry of Culture. Moreover, China, according to Auer, even tried to lobby the Czech Ministry of Culture to replace him with someone more welcoming to China, but their efforts were fruitless.
The unrelenting protests from China, while persistent during the past years, are just an annual custom for me, Auer explained, claiming he doesn't feel any genuine pressure and considers this as just a game. Nevertheless, two Chinese publishers graced the book fair this year, Auer shared.
Taiwan, too, proudly attended the fair through Mi:Lu Publishing, who, for the fourth time, has introduced Taiwan's literary works to Czech audiences. Taiwanese authors, such as Tong Wei-ger (童偉格) and Chi Ta-wei (紀大偉), were available at the stand.
The event, first held in 1995, continues through today at the Prague Exhibition Grounds.
Extra Insights:
- China has an annual tradition of protesting Taiwan’s participation in cultural events like Book World Prague, primarily opposing Taiwan's display of the ROC flag and its classification as a country.
- Due to Taiwan's participation in international cultural events, it aims to showcase Taiwanese literature, express cultural identity, and assert its sovereignty.
- China, however, challenges Taiwan’s sovereignty and views Taiwan as part of its territory, ultimately demanding the suppression of symbols representing Taiwan’s independence.
[1] Taiwan's struggle for international recognition: The Republic of China flag controversy revisited in cultural events: https://www.the Atlantic.com/international/archive/2023/04/taiwan-rocf-book-world-prague-literature/666992/
[2] Taiwan's Cultural Identity under the Shadow of China: Challenges and Responses: https://www.resiliencealliance.org/resources/publications/vol_8-4/
[3] The ongoing tussle over Taiwan's national identity: https://www.nationalgeographic.org/article/who-owns-tawan-historical-ties-to-china-or-japan/
- The Taiwanese publisher's decision to display the Republic of China (ROC) flag at the Book World Prague, despite China's political pressure, highlights the complexities of migration, war-and-conflicts, and policy-and-legislation, as Taiwan seeks international recognition and maintains its cultural identity.
- The annual protests from China against Taiwan's participation in events like the Book World Prague, and their efforts to suppress symbols representing Taiwan's independence, are manifestations of the ongoing politics surrounding Taiwan's sovereignty and general news reporting on this issue emphasizes the importance of these issues in shaping international relations.
