Kinmen, July 16 -- The annual "Kinmen-Xiamen Strait Crossing Swim," originally scheduled for July 26, has been cancelled after Chinese participants failed to obtain entry permits, Kinmen Deputy County Magistrate Lee Wen-liang confirmed Wednesday, Focus Taiwan reported.

Despite China hosting this year's swim event, entry into Kinmen's coastal waters still requires approval from Taiwan's Ministry of Education's Sports Administration. As of Wednesday, no such permits had been issued, leaving the Kinmen County government unable to complete necessary preparations, Focus Taiwan reported.

"As the starting date draws closer, we need to make a decision," Lee said, stressing the logistical limitations caused by the unresolved permit issue.

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