It would be extremely complicated and difficult to get into all of the geopolitical reasons Taiwan will be referred to as Chinese Taipei in the World Baseball Classic.
In essence, it comes down to not upsetting the balance in an already delicate situation.
In most international events, from the Olympics to the Little League World Series, Taiwan — officially the Republic of China — is referred to as Chinese Taipei, as the mainland People's Republic of China claims the island nation despite Taiwan preferring to be referred to as an independent country.
WBC PREDICTIONS: The Sporting News baseball experts make their picks
Why is Taiwan referred to as Chinese Taipei?
The decision to refer to Taiwan as Chinese Taipei came in 1981 by the International Olympic Committee after decades of dispute, and it has been honored in sporting events since.
For that reason, Taiwan will officially be referred to as Chinese Taipei throughout the World Baseball Classic. It is playing in Pool A in Taichung Intercontinental Continental Baseball Stadium.
Chinese Taipei is the official designation of Taiwan in international events, and has been for decades. With that in mind, Chinese Taipei is what will be emblazoned on their uniforms at the World Baseball Classic.
Chinese Taipei is ready to go. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/QW12mLKrVn
— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) March 7, 2023
MORE: Japan's Roki Sasaki leads list of seven best non-MLB players in WBC
The move to refer to Taiwan as Chinese Taipei was, ultimately, a compromise, as it let it compete without being recognized as a sovereign nation.
In addition, Taiwan's national anthem has not been played at previous events.
