Depiction of Taiwan's National Flag Sparks Controversy at Osaka Expo

Objections to a depiction of Taiwan's national flag prompted last-minute changes to a performance at Expo 2025 in Osaka.

Transcript

00:01An image showing Taiwan's national flag at the World Expo in Osaka has sparked controversy.

00:14It appeared on the backdrop of a performance by Taiwanese artists.

00:17The expo committee asked for it to be covered due to, quote, external pressure.

00:22That could mean from China, which objects to any displays of Taiwan's national symbols

00:27at international events.

00:29In the end, the image was covered by two deity puppets, preventing the puppeteers operating

00:35them from taking part in the show.

00:37Taiwan's cultural movement is a part of a performance.

00:43It was a part of a performance by a non-profit, and it was a part of a performance by a non-profit.

00:47So, in this situation, we only can accept it.

00:50And this performance was held together for a few seconds.

00:54Taiwan's culture ministry said the backdrop design had already been approved by the event

01:11officials and did not violate any on-site regulations.