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Why does Taiwan control islands right off the coast of mainland China? The Kinmen (Quemoy) and Matsu islands are just a few kilometers away from the Chinese city of Xiamen, yet they’re not part of the People’s Republic of China. Instead, they remain under Taiwan (the Republic of China). In this video, we’ll dive into the strange history and strategic importance of these islands. From their settlement during the Tang Dynasty, to Koxinga’s campaigns against the Dutch, to the decisive Battle of Guningtou in 1949, and the Cold War Taiwan Strait Crises that nearly triggered U.S. nuclear strikes. We’ll also explore what life is like there today: their unique flag, economy built on Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor, military heritage tourism, and why they remain at the heart of the Taiwan-China standoff.
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TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 What are these islands?
01:53 Where is Kinmen?
03:09 The island's population and flag
03:46 Taiwanese military defenses
04:30 The local economy
05:07 Raycon
07:04 How it became part of China
07:31 Etymology (name origin)
07:57 Ming & Qing Conquests
09:24 Annexation by the Japanese Empire
10:35 Chinese Civil War & retreat into Taiwan
11:05 1949 Battle of Guningtou
11:30 The Japanese General that helped
12:28 Nationalist victory?
13:44 Why Taiwan managed to keep them
14:13 Taiwan Strait Crisis & Chinese attacks
14:36 USA influence & defence of Taiwan
15:32 US debate about Kinmen's defense
15:59 The similar Matsu archipelago
16:14 Today
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