Taiwan's foreign ministry has protested after organizers of the World Choir Games in Sweden stopped a supporter from waving the Republic of China flag — a small but pointed reminder of how far Beijing's pressure reaches into cultural events.

• A Swedish fan brought a Taiwanese flag to cheer on Kaohsiung's Nibun Choir and was told by organizers to stop.
• Reporters covering the event were warned they would lose their press passes if the flag appeared in their coverage.
• Taipei says the so-called "Olympic model" — the rule forcing Taiwan to compete under a neutral name and flag — has no business at a singing competition.
• The ministry is pressing organizers through its office in Sweden and says it will keep defending the right of Taiwanese groups to take part in international events as equals.

Outlook: Expect Taiwan to keep pushing back case by case as more cultural and sporting bodies quietly apply Olympic-style restrictions well outside the Olympics.