Pingtan hosted the 12th Cross-Straits Taekwondo Exchange Contest on August 15. This year's event drew nearly 800 athletes from both sides of the Taiwan Straits, united in their pursuit of excellence in the martial art of Taekwondo.

The competition showcased a diverse range of disciplines, including Poomsae, sparring, Taekwondo dance, special techniques, and breaking, with participants grouped by age and weight categories across various divisions, from infant to adult.

"The high-profile events held in Pingtan have significantly enhanced our brand influence, providing an exceptional platform for athletes to showcase their skills," remarked coach Yang Hao of the Nanping delegation. "The opportunity to compete and interact with athletes from Taiwan not only showcases our athletes' abilities but also deepens mutual understanding and a sense of identity among youth from both sides of the Straits."

Echoing this sentiment, Lin Dezhao, president of the Taiwan Chinese Association of Taekwondo for Junior High and Elementary Schools, emphasized, "Cross-Straits sports exchanges, particularly through Taekwondo, have a solid foundation. This sport promotes communication and mental bonding among our youth, fostering closer ties between the two sides of the Straits."

Since its inception in 2012, the Cross-Straits Taekwondo Exchange Contest has evolved into a vibrant platform for cultural exchange, entertainment, sports, and tourism, enriching the channels of interaction between the two sides.