QuemoyMatsu

The Quemoy and Matsu Islands, collectively known as Jinmen and Mazu in Mandarin, are a group of islands administered by the Republic of China (Taiwan) but located off the coast of mainland China. They are geographically very close to the People's Republic of China and have a long history of strategic importance and military tension.

The islands were a focal point of conflict during the Chinese Civil War and its aftermath. Following the Nationalist retreat to Taiwan in 1949, the islands remained under Republic of China control. This led to several artillery bombardments by the People's Liberation Army in the 1950s, notably the First and Second Taiwan Strait Crises. These events highlighted the geopolitical sensitivity of the islands.

Despite their proximity to the mainland, the islands have developed their own distinct identities and economies. They are popular tourist destinations for both Taiwanese and mainland Chinese visitors, offering insights into the history of the cross-strait relationship and the unique island cultures. The military presence, though reduced, remains a characteristic feature of the islands, serving as a constant reminder of their strategic past. The administrative status of Quemoy and Matsu remains a sensitive issue within the broader context of cross-strait relations between the Republic of China and the People's Republic of China.