Organizers of the Fengshan Marathon in Taiwan apologized for handing out trophies in the shape of a Chinese machine gun, causing backlash due to the tensions between Taiwan and China. The event’s association explained that the gun-themed trophies were chosen for aesthetic reasons, not with any specific intention. The National Defense Ministry agreed to allow the race to run through military facilities, but have since reminded organizers to be more cautious in the future. Taiwan has been facing increasing pressure from China, with military planes and vessels frequently nearing the island. The Chinese government views these actions as necessary to safeguard their national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The United States, Taiwan’s key international backer, has also come under scrutiny from China for their support of Taiwan. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has proposed 17 countermeasures against China’s influence campaign, leading to further tensions between the two countries. China has warned against any moves towards Taiwan independence, threatening that those who engage in separatism will be shattered. The ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China have heightened in recent months, with both sides taking strong stances on the issue.
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