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China Is Boycotting a Major Asian Art Festival over the Naming of a Ta
Chinese participants withdrew after organizers restored the Taiwan Pavilion name, and the embassy said the move violated the One China principle.
On Thursday, Chinese artists withdrew from the 2026 Gwangju Biennale, protesting the organizer's decision to use the name "Taiwan Pavilion." The withdrawal occurred two days before the festival's scheduled opening.
The Gwangju Biennale Foundation initially approved "Taiwan Pavilion" for the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts , then switched to "NTMoFA Pavilion" in June without explanation. Last week, the foundation reversed course and restored the original name.
Chinese Pavilion curator Ruan Yuelai stated participants "cannot accept this," arguing the naming allows "political elements to intrude into the realm of art." The Chinese Embassy in Seoul backed the withdrawal, claiming the designation violates the "One China" principle.
The Gwangju Biennale Foundation apologized on Wednesday for the "concern, confusion and disappointment" caused by the dispute. Foundation officials maintained they do not intervene in exhibition content, though they regretted insufficient reconciliation during planning.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Park Doo Soon said the naming decision is "unrelated to our government's position on Taiwan." Officials hope the controversy will not affect South Korea-China relations as the 16th Biennale edition prepares to launch.