Swimmers from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau recently competed in a unique seven-kilometer swimming race from Taiwan’s Kinmen Islands to Xiamen on China’s east coast. Despite the tension between Taiwan and China, the athletes hoped their camaraderie could serve as an example for smoother exchanges across the strait.
The history of Kinmen reflects the complex relationship between Taiwan and China, with the island once being part of China’s Fujian Province before the Chinese civil war in 1949. Residents of Kinmen were cut off from the mainland and found themselves on the front lines of the political battle between Taipei and Beijing.
Recent incidents, including clashes between Taiwanese and Chinese vessels, have heightened tensions in the region. Chinese Coast Guard ships have increased their presence in Kinmen’s waters, causing concerns for local fishermen. The possibility of accidental conflict and escalation is a worry for residents.
Despite these challenges, there have been some silver linings. Recent agreements between Taiwan and China have led to the repatriation of fishermen’s bodies and the release of a detained Taiwanese fisherman. Some residents are hopeful that Kinmen can become a place of cross-strait collaboration once again.
Participants in the swimming race expressed hope that events like these can foster connections between the people of China and Taiwan. The race serves as a symbol of peaceful cooperation and the diplomatic progress that has been made. As swimmers dove into the water, they hoped for a future where the sea that was once a battlefield could now be a place of peace and unity.
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