Kinmen, July 11 -- The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) has firmly rejected Kinmen County's application to hold an open water racing event with the Chinese city of Xiamen, citing serious security concerns stemming from China's increasingly aggressive actions, MAC Deputy Minister and spokesman Liang Wen-chieh said yesterday.

Liang emphasised that Kinmen County must apply to the Sports Administration to participate in the 13th Kinmen-Xiamen Open Relay, which will consider the MAC's recommendation.

However, the council intends to advise against permitting the swim meet due to the persistent incursions by the China Coast Guard into Taiwan's restricted waters, endangering the safety of participating swimmers, according to Taipei Times.

While ...