The 2025 cross-Strait youth baseball invitational tournament opened on Tuesday in Liancheng County of Longyan City in east China's Fujian Province, bringing together nearly 200 young athletes from the Chinese mainland, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao.
The event aims to strengthen youth exchanges and bonds through sports and promote integrated development between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.
The tournament features 10 teams -- four from Taiwan, one each from Hong Kong Special Administrative region (SAR) and Macao SAR, and four from Fujian, a coastal province facing the Taiwan region.
It marks the largest cross-Strait baseball event ever held in Longyan City in terms of attendance.
On the field, young players showcased their skills with energetic swings, dynamic base running, and intense defensive plays, while building friendship with each other through sportsmanship.
"Baseball is a sport we all love. I'm really enjoying the matches here and being able to play baseball with our mainland friends. Besides, the competition facilities are excellent," said a young baseball player from Taiwan.
"Let's seize this opportunity to broaden communication channels and create more platforms for youth exchanges. I believe when people interact and spend more time together, affections naturally develop," said an invited guest from Taiwan.
In recent years, Liancheng has steadily enhanced its capacity to host high-standard baseball and softball events, establishing itself as a hub for regular cross-Strait sports exchanges.
Baseball event strengthens ties between youths across Taiwan Strait
