"困" was recognized as the Chinese character of the year after gaining 1.03 million online votes from the Chinese mainland and Taiwan, Xiamen Daily reported on Dec 13. 

The organizing committee said "困", which in Chinese can be used as a noun or verb meaning difficulty or being stranded, is a perfect reflection of the ups and downs experienced in cross-Straits relations in 2019 and shows that the general public is well aware of the difficulties. 

The character stood out from among 36 Characters and received 1.03 million online votes out of a total of 12.06 million. 

Cao Fang, an official at the investment zone for Taiwan business people in Haicang district, Xiamen, sent a video message and said that the event engages millions of people from both sides of the Straits every year and reflects the development of cross-Straits relations, social conditions and public opinions. 

The event, initiated in 2008, has become a symbol for the relationship between the mainland and Taiwan, aiming to bring out the richness and profoundness of Chinese characters.

Calligraphers from the Chinese mainland and Taiwan write "困", the Chinese character of the year as decided by voters from both sides of the Taiwan Straits, in Taipei on Dec 13. [Photo/xmnn.cn]