Around 110 athletes from China are expected to compete at the Summer Universiade ©Taipei 2017

China have reportedly registered 110 athletes to compete at the Taipei 2017 Summer Universiade but the selection could consist of second choice athletes.

Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je told the Taipei Times that China have applied for a delegation of 180 to attend the event, with the figure including 110 athletes.

It had been feared at one time that China would boycott the event altogether. 

China considers self-governing Taiwan part of its territory, with relations having been strained in recent months.

Tensions between Taiwan and China were heightened when Donald Trump broke with past practice in December 2016 and accepted a congratulatory phone call from Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen following his election as President of the United States.

Ko admitted, however, a clash with China’s National Games could see lower quality athletes from the nation compete at the Universiade.

"Mainland China was sure to attend the Universiade, the only difference is the size of their delegation, because it is a great world power and would definitely not be absent from such an important event," he said.

"I am embarrassed to say this, but I am afraid their best athletes would participate in their national games and they would only send their second-string athletes."

Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je has claimed a schedule clash with the China National Games could see second choice athletes compete take part at this year's Universiade ©Getty Images
Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je has claimed a schedule clash with the China National Games could see second choice athletes compete take part at this year's Universiade ©Getty Images

China’s National Games are scheduled to take place from August 27 to September 8, while the Universiade is due to be held between August 19 and 30.

It has been claimed China may not participate in team competitions at the Universiade.

Aquatics, athletics, archery, badminton, baseball, basketball and billiards are among the events that will take place at the Universiade.

Fencing, football, gymnastics, golf, judo, roller skating, table tennis and taekwondo will also be held, along with tennis, volleyball, weightlifting and wushu.

Events are scheduled to held in venues in Taipei, Keelung, New Taipei, Taoyuan and Hsinchu.

Around 10,000 athletes from 150 countries are expected to take part at the multi-sport university competition.

China have competed in every Summer Universiade since Mexico City in 1979. 

They have won a total of 946 medals, including 414 gold.

At the last Universiade in Gwangju two years ago they won 72 medals, 34 of them gold, to finish third overall.