Chinese artists have withdrawn from the Gwangju Biennale in South Korea following a dispute over the naming of an exhibition. The artists objected to the inclusion of “Taiwan” in the exhibition’s title, a move perceived as a challenge to China’s claim over the self-governed island. Organisers permitted the name, prompting a rebuke from China and the subsequent artist withdrawals. The Gwangju Biennale, a significant contemporary art event in Asia, is scheduled to begin this Saturday. This incident highlights the ongoing sensitivity surrounding Taiwan’s status and China’s firm stance on its sovereignty. The controversy casts a shadow over the art show and raises questions about the intersection of art and political tensions.