Taiwan National Federation banning foreigners from chess

Thank you Gary! Glad to hear that!

(Craig, I am not sure it was a misunderstanding. Dina was very clear that foreigners are not allowed to play, and took me and Ceil(?) off the participant list.)

A little off topic, but would someone be able to direct me to any chess club here in Taiwan? Specifically, I am in Hsinchu city, but any place close would be fine.  Thanks in advanced, Peter. 

Here we go again. Rumour has it foreigners are banned in 2015. :-(

At least from the nationals, and in practice from any competition that requires a national rating to play (since the nationals is the only way to get such a rating). In practice there are only small rapid events left to play in.

Hey Tapani,

2015? So this year is still ok? The line in the regulations regarding foreigners posted by the Kaohsiung branch was omitted this year.   After last year's debacle I knew that this was going to happen.  I still haven't heard anything from the 'offical body' about the national tournament this year.  Kind of strange since its on the 8th of Feb.  But the nature of it is certainly not surprising.  I will certainly fill the void if and when this happens.  Lots of 4 day weekends this year!!!

I don't mean to be racist or anything, asians are known as segregated. Think of it like wolves in their own pack.

Just got confirmation.  Not a rumour.  No place for foreigners THIS YEAR, as there is only 1 international tournament that Taiwan will participate in (with 5 spots) that will have adults.  However, NEXT YEAR they are still planning to let foreigners play. (key word there is PLANNING, they change their minds often enough...) with the idea that if a foreigner can qualify, and they get appropriate sponsorship,they can go to the Oylmpiad with the National Team...

I don't mean to push the issue as it is sensitive to some. Japan is not very welcoming either to foreigners. Try to join a dojo and see how hard it is to get in. But the good news is that their bamboo doors are starting to be more open to foreigners.

Usually someone that starts a sentence with 'I don't mean to be racist...' is exactly that.  Paint a race of people with broad brushstrokes much?  Taiwan's people are among the nicest, and warmest people I have ever met...What we are talking about has nothing to do with race, and everything to do with politics.  Period.

Well, the title should be changed as it can be offensive to foreigners.

I'll give you that!

Title of this post? Any suggestions?

It is secondary (to me) if we are allowed on the national team. What I want is to play more in a year than two rapid events, that starts ungodly-early and is full of screaming kids (and screaming organizers).

In most of the civilized world nobody cares what passport you hold. If you are good enough to play for the national team, you are most welcome to do so! Even Japan has (had?) foreigners on their team.

Hmm... Taiwan National Federation banning respectable ladies and gentlemen from other nations?