Taipei: Taiwan's Hakka Affairs Council (HAC) has strongly condemned what it describes as Chinese pressure on the World Symposium on Choral Music (WSCM) after organizers unilaterally renamed the National Taiwan Hakka Children's Choir to the "China Taiwan Hakka Children's Choir." The council has demanded an immediate correction, warning that the choir will withdraw from the event scheduled in Macau from August 23-28 if the name is not amended.

According to Focus Taiwan, the HAC revealed during a news conference in Taipei that they had lodged a formal protest upon discovering the name change on the WSCM's official website. Initially, the choir was listed under its correct name as of March and April this year, but the change was implemented on June 22. The council attributes the alteration to the event's dependency on funding from the Macau government, suggesting that the name modification was made at Macau's behest.

HAC Minister Ku Hsiu-fei, speaking at the news conference, highlighted that the choir, established in 2019, is operated by the government-supported Hakka Public Communication Foundation. Ku acknowledged the pressure on organizers but stressed that national dignity should not be compromised. She emphasized that the name "National Hakka Children's Choir" signifies the choir's identity and autonomy, urging the WSCM to respect this and restore the original name.

Ku made it clear that participation would cease if the name was not reverted. She described the group as the world's only Hakka children's choir, showcasing the unique style and confidence inherent in Hakka language and music. Despite what she termed unfair treatment by China, Ku affirmed Taiwan's commitment to promoting Hakka culture on the international stage, ensuring that the world recognizes Taiwan's rich Hakka heritage.

The WSCM, held triennially, is considered one of the premier events in the global choral music calendar.