Taiwan President Lai Ching-te Visits Tension-Hit Kinmen Islands

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te will visit the Kinmen islands, near the Chinese coast, for the first time since taking office. The visit marks the 66th anniversary of a significant military clash with China. Kinmen has been a point of tension with China, which sees Taiwan as its territory.

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te will on Friday make his first visit since taking office in May to the sensitive Kinmen islands, located next to the Chinese coast. The area has long been a scene of heightened tensions between Taipei and Beijing.

The Kinmen and Matsu islands have been under Taiwan's control since the Republic of China government fled to Taipei in 1949 after losing a civil war with Mao Zedong's communists. Though no peace treaty or armistice has ever been signed, the islands were flashpoints during the Cold War. Tensions have escalated recently, prompting regular Chinese coast guard patrols following the death of two Chinese nationals on a speedboat earlier this year.

On this visit, Lai will attend events marking the 66th anniversary of a major military clash with Chinese forces, known internationally as the onset of the second Taiwan Strait crisis. The crisis in 1958 saw intense battles, including prolonged bombardment by Chinese forces and naval and air skirmishes. Taiwan, supported by advanced U.S. military equipment, held its ground, and the crisis ended in a stalemate. Today, the anniversary is commemorated with various events, including concerts celebrating Taiwan's defense.

(With inputs from agencies.)