Kinmen County Deputy Magistrate Lee Wen-liang stated on the 16th that they have yet to receive entry permits for mainland Chinese participants in the Jinmen-Xiamen swim event, “therefore, we can only regretfully announce that we are unable to continue holding the event.” He also said that after more than ten years, the Jinmen-Xiamen swim event has gained a certain level of recognition; although it is regrettable, they respect the decision made in Taipei.
The 13th Jinmen-Xiamen Relay Open Water Swim was originally scheduled for the 26th, but rumors surfaced that the event may be canceled this year due to concerns of united front activities. On the 16th, Lee Wen-liang explained to the media the situation regarding the organization of the event.
Lee Wen-liang said that this year the swim event was to be organized by the Mainland side, and permits issued from Taipei were required for Mainland participants to enter Kinmen waters by sea. However, so far, the entry permits have not been received. “Therefore, we can only regretfully announce that we are unable to continue holding the event.” Regarding the Sports Administration's response, Lee Wen-liang said the Sports Administration has neither approved nor rejected the entry application, so the next administrative steps cannot proceed. As the event date is approaching, “the entire administrative process must now be resolutely concluded.”
Lee Wen-liang stated that after more than a decade, the Jinmen-Xiamen swim event enjoys considerable brand recognition and boosts the local economy. It is truly regrettable that it cannot be held, but they can only respect the decision made in Taipei. When asked by the media whether he is concerned about the event being unable to take place in the future, Lee Wen-liang said there are no signs at present that it cannot be held again, and the county government will continue to monitor the situation and maintain communication with Taipei.
Regarding the Kinmen Open Water Swimming activity, according to news from Kinmen County Education Department, the Sports Administration under the Ministry of Education has approved an application from the Kinmen County Sports Association, permitting some Mainland participants to enter on a case-by-case basis for the open water swim. The Education Department stated that if there are new entry applications in the future, the county government will handle them in accordance with regulations and submit them to the Sports Administration for review.
This year's Jinmen-Xiamen swim event saw reports on the 3rd that it might be canceled due to concerns of united front activities. At a press conference the same day, Mainland Affairs Council spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh stated that the Jinmen-Xiamen swim event is a united front activity and not simply a sporting event. The government will handle the matter with caution.