Organizers of a marathon in southern Taiwan have issued an apology after distributing trophies shaped like the QBZ-95, a Chinese-made assault rifle, which sparked significant backlash amid increasing tensions between Taiwan and China. The Fengshan Marathon, held near Kaohsiung City, faced criticism since the awards closely resembled a military firearm associated with the People’s Liberation Army of China, prompting concerns over insensitivity given the current geopolitical climate.
Legislator Hsu Chih-chieh described the trophy design choice as an oversight and confirmed that a recall has been requested. The Kaohsiung City Fengshan Jogging Association, while acknowledging the outcry, stated the design was intended solely for aesthetic reasons due to the marathon route’s proximity to military facilities. The incident underscores rising pressures from China and ongoing military incursions around Taiwan, emphasizing the delicate balance in cross-strait relations.
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