The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) has denied Kinmen County's request to host an open water racing event with Xiamen, China. This decision was made due to significant security concerns arising from China's increasingly assertive behavior. MAC Deputy Minister and spokesman Liang Wen-chieh announced the council's position.
Kinmen County is required to seek approval from the Sports Administration to participate in the 13th Kinmen-Xiamen Open Relay. The Sports Administration will consider the MAC's recommendation. However, the council plans to advise against allowing the swim meet. This is due to the ongoing incursions by the China Coast Guard into Taiwan's restricted waters, which poses a safety risk to the swimmers.
While Kinmen can still organize its 2025 Open Water Race within Taiwanese waters, the planned connection with Xiamen is problematic. Chinese nationals can only participate after applying through the MAC, a standard procedure for sports events involving mainland Chinese participants. The MAC will also not send Taiwanese officials to communicate with their Chinese counterparts during the event, as the Kinmen government did not invite the council.
In a separate matter, Beijing has disregarded Taiwan's repeated requests to discuss China's unilateral activation of air route W121, a provocative extension along the M503 corridor. China informed Taiwan only one day before the route's public launch, leading to immediate objections from Taipei. Despite this, Beijing has refused to negotiate.
Although the new air routes have not yet disrupted Taipei's Flight Information Region, the MAC remains cautious. Taiwan sees no need for retaliation, considering the travel bans imposed on Chinese group tours last year following similar provocations over the M503 route. This latest action by Beijing highlights the ongoing disregard for Taiwan's sovereignty and security, reinforcing the MAC's opposition to any event that could normalize dangerous mainland incursions.
5 Comments
Donatello
This decision confirms the MAC commitment to safety from ongoing threat, and its resolve to protect it.
Muchacho
The China Coast Guard's incursions are a direct threat. This decision prioritizes the safety of the swimmers.
Bermudez
Absolutely the right call. Safety first. China's actions are aggressive.
Michelangelo
Kinmen isn't in a position to conduct its own diplomacy. The MAC understands the dangers of appeasement.
Donatello
Prioritizing local economics over national security is a slippery slope. This is a good move.