In southern Taiwan, a controversy erupted involving the distribution of uniquely shaped marathon awards. Event organizers, including a member of Taiwan’s governing legislative body, issued an apology on Sunday for presenting prizes shaped like a golden machine gun. The politician in question, Legislator Hsu Chi-chieh from the Democratic Progressive Party, which endorses Taiwan’s autonomy from China, acknowledged the inadvertent error of using the image of a Chinese QBZ-95 on awards designated for top contenders. As a remedy, recipients are given the choice to exchange their trophies for alternatives.
The situation sheds light on the sensitive relationship between Taiwan and China, with China asserting that Taiwan is part of its territory and indicating potential use of force for control. Addressing the populace recently, President William Lai Ching-te highlighted legislative recognition of mainland China as a “foreign hostile force.” He emphasized the implementation of stricter laws to counteract Chinese influence via media and civic platforms, and he cautioned against influential figures and military affiliates disseminating confidential information to China.
The incident unfolds against a backdrop of apparent logistical oversight, as the Fengshan Marathon course traversed areas such as the Taiwanese Military Academy, the Army Infantry Training Command, and the Chung Cheng Armed Forces Preparatory School—all linked with Taiwan’s Defense Ministry. The Fengshan Road Running Association expressed regret over using a representation of the Chinese rifle, noting the military theme associated with this year’s race but without clarifying the reasoning behind selecting an active Chinese military weapon.
Statements from Taiwan’s Defense Ministry, deferred through the Central News Agency, clarified that their involvement was limited to providing facilities, distancing itself from the event’s organization and the decision regarding prize selection. Furthermore, as military service is mandatory for one year for Taiwanese men, familiarity with military rifles and other equipment is widespread,
leading to increased awareness and sensitivity to such matters.