The empty seat previously occupied by Chinese Ambassador Dr Wang Xiaolong, next to Claudio Schermi, President of the European Dragon Boat Federation and Leader of the Opposition Christopher Luxon while International Breast Cancer Dragon Boat Festival president Meri Gibson speaks at the Opening Ceremony.
Mystery surrounds why Chinese ambassador Wang Xiaolong left the stage midway through the opening of an international dragon boat festival in Cambridge last week, but sources say he took exception to the presence of the Taiwan flag.
The ceremony in Victoria Square for the International Breast Cancer Paddlers Commission (IBCPC) event at Lake Karāpiro was halfway through the flag raising ceremony when Dr Xiaolong got up and did not return.
We asked the embassy to comment. They did not respond in time for our deadline.
Also on the stage was National Party leader Christopher Luxon, Taupō MP Louise Upston, Waipā mayor Susan O’Regan and IBCPC president Meri Gibson.
The Croatian flag bearer walks past as Chinese Ambassador Dr Wang Xiaolong talks to an aide behind him while next to Claudio Schermi, President of the European Dragon Boat Federation and Leader of the Opposition Christopher Luxon.
More than 2500 competitors – who are fighting or have fought breast cancer – from 37 countries, including China – were present for the official Opening Ceremony. Flagbearers took the flags in alphabetical order across the front of the stage and officials set them up behind it.
Sources told The News there had been discussions between organisers and the ambassador’s officials about the Taiwanese flag prior to the ceremony. China sees Taiwan as a breakaway province and part of its territory under the One China principle. Taiwan considers itself an independent country.
As the Croatian flag bearer walked in front of the stage, Dr Xiaolong could be seen in deep conversation with an aide behind him. He then got up – before the Hong Kong flag was brought up – and went behind the stage where he appeared to be briefed. One female aide seemed particularly upset.
Chinese Ambassador Dr Wang Xiaolong joins the Chinese team for a photo during the Opening Ceremony.
The ambassador then went into the crowd to talk to the Chinese dragon boat team and posed for photographs while the Taiwanese flag was the last moved – out of alphabetical order – past the empty chair.
As Gibson was making her speech, the ambassador left the square. No announcement was made as to why he had left.
Gibson told The News because she was on the stage, she was unaware of what was going on.
“We as an organisation do not discriminate, breast cancer or any cancer does not discriminate, and we do not engage in political conversations.”
Meri Gibson welcomes the crowd. (note the Taiwanese flag is now wrapped up at the right end)
