From Rugby to Painting, China Using Global Stage to Diminish Taiwan

Flags in support of the referendum on whether the island should participate in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics under the name "Taiwan" rather than "Chinese Taipei" are seen during a rally in Taipei on July 29, 2018. Tyrone Siu/Reuters

TAIPEI—All Taiwan wanted to do was to host rugby teams from around the region for a series of matches.

Instead, Chinese representatives challenged the self-ruled island’s proposal this summer, saying China should take over the events. After a month of negotiations, the two sides agreed to take turns hosting the games over the next six years.