Taipei – An US envoy told Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou Tuesday that Jeremy Lin is a full-fledged American, countering claims by both China and Taiwan, who are saying that the NBA star was their national.
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Ma began the morning meeting with US Congressman Eni Faleomavaega of American Somoa by commenting on how Linsanity has become another common value, along with peace and democracy, between Americans and Taiwanese. In response, US Congressman Eni Faleomavaega decided to stake his claim.
“I want to say that I’m sorry to tell you that Jeremy Lin is American, full blooded-born American, who happens to be of Taiwanese ancestry, and we’re very proud of him,” Faleomavaega said.
Although Lin has been lighting up New York with 24.6 points and 9.2 assists per game in his last ten games, both China and Taiwan have responded with equal fervor over the NBA’s newest star of Asian descent, especially since Yao Ming retired last summer.
Taiwan’s national basketball team has renewed its offer for Lin to play for Taiwan, and the government announced last week that Lin has automatic Taiwanese citizenship because his parents were born in Taiwan.
Fans and media on the island territory launch criticisms whenever US news outlets report that Lin is of “Chinese” descent.
The Chinese Basketball Association is also mulling an offer for Lin, although it acknowledges that Lin has to give up US citizenship to play for China, according to Xinhua.
“I know Yao Ming wants him to join the Chinese national team, and Taiwan also wants him to join the national team. Poor kid does not know what to do. But I know he’s American, okay?” Faleomavaega said.
Lin was born and raised in California.
Jeremy Lin is an American and a Christian. He doesn’t even speak Chinese.
very important news. BH we are updated.