President Tsai commemorates 1958 artillery bombardment of Kinmen

2020/08/25

President Tsai Ing-wen took part in a ceremony commemorating 62 years since the Aug. 23 Artillery Bombardment of outlying Kinmen County, promising as commander in chief to take full responsibility for protecting Taiwan’s sovereignty.
 
 The efforts of military personnel who fought in the country’s defense, as well as the sacrifices of their families, are worthy of the utmost respect from the government and people, Tsai said. Peace hinges on a strong military deterrent, which is made possible by the selfless contributions of members of the armed forces working tirelessly to protect Taiwan’s freedom and democracy, she added.
 
 According to Tsai, Taiwan remains critical to the strategic balance of the Indo-Pacific, a fact highlighted by recent geopolitical events including ongoing trade friction between China and the U.S., Chinese military aircraft undertaking exercises near Taiwan and Beijing’s suppression of the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong.
 
 Also in attendance was American Institute in Taiwan Director Brent Christensen, who laid wreaths at a monument paying tribute to two U.S. military officers who died during clashes on Kinmen in 1954.
 
 Security cooperation between the U.S. and Taiwan has spanned many decades and is a key part of bilateral relations, Christensen said. The day’s commemorations are another reminder of how the partnership exemplifies the phrase “Real Friends, Real Progress,” he added.
 
 The Aug. 23 Artillery Bombardment of 1958 marked the beginning of the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis, which saw China’s People’s Liberation Army launch close to half a million shells at Kinmen over a period of 44 days as well as naval clashes. A total of 456 ROC (Taiwan) soldiers were killed during the offensive.

Source: Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/index.php)