Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian said Tuesday he hopes the 2007 World University Games will be staged in Taiwan in spite of intimidation from Beijing.
"The international community should distance political interference from sport and take Taiwan seriously as a qualified player in the international arena," Chen said in a written statement released after meeting George Killian, president of the International University Sports Federation (FISU).
During the meeting, Killian promised Chen he will urge his committee to review each candidate's background carefully and make an unbiased decision. FISU's executive committee comprising members from 134 nations is slated to meet in Italy in January 2003 to decide on the host country of the 25th Universiade in 2007.
Cities from Canada, Thailand, Poland and Taiwan are on the list of final candidates to hold the 10-day multi-sport event.