TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) – Organizers of a marathon in southern Taiwan, including a member of the self-governing island republic's legislature, faced backlash after awarding prizes shaped like a golden Chinese machine gun. This incident has raised eyebrows within the nation, considering the delicate political situation between Taiwan and China.
Legislator Hsu Chi-chieh, representing the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which supports Taiwan's independence from China, publicly apologized for the incident. He stated that the use of the image of the Chinese QBZ-95 rifle on trophies for top winners was a mistake and unintentional. To address the situation, those who received the trophies have been offered the option to select an alternative prize.
The political backdrop is significant; China claims Taiwan as its territory and has been known to threaten military action to exert control over the island. In light of this tension, Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te recently emphasized in an address that Taiwan considers mainland China a "foreign hostile force." He reinforced the need for tougher measures to safeguard against Chinese subversion, particularly in media and civic interactions. Lai also cautioned about the risks posed by both current and former military personnel potentially leaking sensitive information to China.
Highlighting the apparent oversight behind the award selection, the Fengshan Marathon took place near the bustling southern port city of Kaohsiung, with its route traversing notable military installations such as the Taiwanese Military Academy, the Army Infantry Training Command, and the Chung Cheng Armed Forces Preparatory School. These military affiliations amplify the faux pas concerning the choice of a Chinese weapon as a trophy.
The Fengshan Road Running Association has since expressed remorse over the decision to use a Chinese rifle as a prize. While the Association explained that a weapon was chosen to align with this year's race connections to the military, it provided no rationale for selecting a firearm currently utilized by the Chinese armed forces. This silence has raised queries regarding the judgment behind the choice, especially given the political sensitivities involved.
The official Central News Agency quoted the Taiwanese Defense Ministry, clarifying that while it had offered facilities for the event, it was not involved in the race organization or the selection of awards. This remark underscores the division between military operations and civilian sports events in the context of Taiwan's complex relationship with China.
Furthermore, military service is obligatory for all Taiwanese men, which has contributed to a societal familiarity with various firearms and military equipment. This common experience among citizens adds an additional layer to the incident, as the selection of a weapon-shaped trophy can inadvertently trigger unsettling feelings given the current cross-strait tensions.
