Annual Kinmen-Xiamen Strait Crossing Swim Canceled Due to Permit Issues

The annual 'Kinmen-Xiamen Strait Crossing Swim', which was set to take place on July 26, has been canceled because participants from China could not obtain the necessary entry permits. Lee Wen-liang, the Deputy County Magistrate of Kinmen, confirmed this news, stating that despite the event being hosted in China, approval from Taiwan's Ministry of Education's Sports Administration is mandatory for entry into Kinmen's waters. As of the latest updates, no permits have been issued, preventing the local government from completing essential preparations for the event.

The uncertainty regarding the swim's status had been rising since early July when Liang Wen-chieh, the Deputy Head of the Mainland Affairs Council, expressed concerns that the event could be part of China's strategy to unify its front against Taiwan. Liang indicated that the government would be careful in addressing the situation, given national security implications. In a subsequent briefing, he explained that for a cross-strait sports event like this, the Kinmen County authorities must submit an application to the Sports Administration, which then consults with the Mainland Affairs Council before granting approval.

The ongoing presence of Chinese Coast Guard vessels in Taiwan's waters around Kinmen, which has intensified since 2024, has raised significant security concerns. This aligns with Taiwan's broader attempts to counteract Beijing's influence and maintain control over its territorial waters. In addressing the future of the event, Deputy Magistrate Lee noted that there is no indication that the swim has been permanently canceled and affirmed that talks with central government agencies will continue. The cancellation of the swim event highlights increasing tensions in exchanges between Taiwan and China, affecting even events that were once seen as gestures of goodwill.