China Withdraws From Gwangju Biennale Over Taiwan Pavilion Name

The Gwangju Biennale Foundation faced a diplomatic crisis on September 3, 2026, when Chinese participants and organizers withdrew from the 16th Gwangju Biennale just two days before its opening. The withdrawal followed the foundation's decision to restore the designation Taiwan Pavilion for an exhibition organized by the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts.

The naming dispute evolved as the foundation initially approved the name, then changed it to NTMoFA Pavilion to avoid conflict. However, following protests from artists and civic groups who accused the organizers of political censorship, the foundation restored the original Taiwan Pavilion name on August 25. This move prompted the Chinese curatorial team to exit the event.

The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Republic of Korea and the Consulate General in Gwangju condemned the designation, stating it violates the one-China principle and undermines the political foundation of China-South Korea relations. Chinese Pavilion curator Ruan Yuelai argued that the organizers allowed political elements to intrude into the realm of art. The fallout extended beyond the art world, as a delegation from Guangzhou canceled a visit and the city of Zhoushan scrapped plans for a promotional pavilion at next year's World Island Exhibition Expo in Yeosu.

While the Gwangju city government issued a public apology and reaffirmed its commitment to the one-China principle, the South Korean government declined to intervene. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Government Legislation clarified that the biennale is a private-sector project and its independent decisions do not change the state's official one-China position.