In 2005 Grenada abandoned diplomatic ties with Taiwan, recognizing China instead. Part of the deal was a brand new stadium to be bought and paid for by Beijing, replacing one destroyed by a hurricane in 2004. At the inauguration, attended by a Chinese envoy, the Royal Grenada Police Band launched into a rendition of Taiwan's national anthem by mistake... the Chinese envoy was apparently "visibly uncomfortable."
BBC story here.
and get this - the PM was reportedly "saddened" and said that the incident "breaks his heart". Really? Heartbroken? I guess when you're a diplomat you have to say these things...
I feel like I should know this but does anyone know the name of Taiwan's anthem?
I hear it almost every day at school, I'll try to pay more attention tomorrow...
btw, anyone remember the Jays - Braves 1992 World Series game in Atlanta when they flew the Canadian flag upside down? Hardly heartbreaking but hey these things must happen all the time.
what happened to kevlar and captain beer?
ReplyDeleteDON'T POST FOOTBALL RESULTS - MANY PEOPLE WILL WATCH IT TONIGHT.
ReplyDeleteI believe I can recall two other flag/anthem incidents.
ReplyDeleteOne was in El Salvador where they played the PRC anthem for the Taiwanese visitors...
and I recall hearing a story about a Boy Scouts international jamboree where they used a Nazi flag for Germany (whooops.)