GlobalGiving to change Taiwan’s name to ‘Chinese Taipei’ on its funding platform, citing China ‘requirements’

“A US fundraising platform and a coffee association are switching Taiwan’s designation to “Chinese Taipei,” in line with Beijing’s preferred naming convention for the self-ruled island it claims as its own. The GlobalGiving website as of May 13, 2026. Photo: HKFP screenshot. GlobalGiving offers fundraising tools in over 175 countries, including China. It has over 20 nonprofit partners in Taiwan. A spokesperson for the platform did not respond to HKFP’s enquiries as to whether they faced pressure or when the update would take effect. But they said on Wednesday: “We work with thousands of vetted non-profit partners across more than 175 countries, including China, and comply with local laws and regulations in every country where we operate. Following local requirements allows us to build trust and connection between donors and trusted and relevant organizations. “ JustGiving partner Forward Alliance – a Taiwanese national security and civil defence think tank – said on Facebook on Thursday that it had been informed by the fundraising site of the upcoming update. “The change to designate Taiwan as ‘Chinese Taipei’ is unacceptable. It is part of an ongoing campaign to diminish Taiwan internationally,” it said. Forward Alliance added that it was liaising with other local NGOs and actively engaging with the funding platform to seek a solution. On April 28, the Specialty Coffee Association’s World Coffee Championships (WCC) also changed the designation of Taiwan’s competitors to Chinese Taipei. The Specialty Coffee Association’s World Coffee Championships website on May 13, 2026. Photo: HKFP screenshot. In a statement , the WCC said that the update was “in alignment with the naming conventions used by international sporting bodies,” adding that it did not affect qualification pathways, competitor eligibility or the competition experience. Disputed status The Republic of China (ROC) government has ruled Taiwan since 1945 after Japan was defeated in World War II, ending 50 years of occupation. The ROC authorities fully retreated to the island in 1949 after being defeated by the Chinese Communist Party in the Civil War. Beijing has since claimed democratic Taiwan as one of its provinces, threatening to unify it by force if necessary. See also: Explainer – Is Taiwan a country? The self-ruled island’s disputed status Taiwan remains a self-ruled democracy of 23 million people, with its own government, currency, borders and passports. However, only a shrinking handful of states recognise it diplomatically, as Beijing seeks to isolate the island on the world stage. Then-Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wen waves a Chinese Taipei flag at a flag presentation ceremony on July 12, 2021. Photo: Taiwan’s Office of the President, via Flickr. In 1981, the International Olympic Committee settled on using Chinese Taipei in order to allow Taiwan’s athletes to compete, following years of controversy. The teams compete under a generic Olympic flag.

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