First Taiwan Strait Crisis

Quick Facts: Who was First Taiwan Strait Crisis?

Subject:

First Taiwan Strait Crisis

Known for:

A 1954–1955 armed conflict between the PRC and ROC over islands in the Taiwan Strait.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The First Taiwan Strait Crisis (also known as the Formosa Crisis, the 1954–1955 Taiwan Strait Crisis, the Offshore Islands Crisis, the Quemoy-Matsu Crisis, and the 1955 Taiwan Strait Crisis) was a brief armed conflict between the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Republic of China (ROC) focused on several ROC-held islands a few miles from the Chinese mainland in the Taiwan Strait. The crisis began when the PRC initiated heavy bombardment of Kinmen (Quemoy) island in September 1954. Shelling was subsequently extended to the Matsu and Tachen (Dachen) islands. In response, the United States and the ROC agreed to the Sino-American Mutual Defense Treaty in December 1954. In January 1955, the PRC seized the Yijiangshan Islands.

Career & Major Achievements

Later that month, the Formosa Resolution was approved by both houses of the U.S. Congress, authorizing President Dwight D. Eisenhower to defend the ROC and its possessions. The PRC took control of the Dachen/Tachen Islands and nearby islands in the Battle of Dachen Archipelago, while the U.S. Navy helped ROC troops evacuate. The crisis de-escalated in April 1955 after Premier Zhou Enlai articulated the PRC's intention to negotiate with the United States at the Bandung Conference, and in May 1955 the People's Liberation Army ceased shelling Kinmen and Matsu. Ambassadorial-level discussions between China and the U.S. began in Geneva in August 1955. The fundamental issues of the conflict remained unresolved, which led to another crisis three years later.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The United States recognized Chiang Kai-shek's Kuomintang government as the sole legitimate government for all of China. On 5 January 1950, United States President Harry S. Truman issued a statement that the United States would not become involved in "the civil conflict in China" and would not provide military aid or advice to the Nationalist forces on Taiwan. As the Korean War broke out, the United States resumed military aid to the ROC and sent the US Navy's Seventh Fleet into the Taiwan Strait. On 27 June 1950, Truman issued the following statement: The attack upon Korea makes it plain beyond all doubt that communism has passed beyond the use of subversion to conquer independent nations and will now use armed invasion and war. It has defied the orders of the Security Council of the United Nations issued to preserve international peace and security.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1950: 1950 Milestone — On 5 January 1950, United States President Harry S.
2. 1954: 1954 Milestone — The First Taiwan Strait Crisis (also known as the Formosa Crisis, the 1954–1955 Taiwan Strait Crisis, the Offshore Islands Crisis, the Quemoy-Matsu Crisis, and the 1955 Taiwan Strait Crisis) was a brief armed conflict between the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Republic of China (ROC) focused on several ROC-held islands a few miles from the Chinese mainland in the Taiwan Strait.
3. 1955: 1955 Milestone — In January 1955, the PRC seized the Yijiangshan Islands.

Notable Quotes by First Taiwan Strait Crisis

“The attack upon Korea makes it plain beyond all doubt that communism has passed beyond the use of subversion to conquer independent nations and will now use armed invasion and war.” (1950)

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: First Taiwan Strait Crisis

True or False: “Did the US Congress pass the Formosa Resolution authorizing defense of ROC possessions in early 1955?”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The Formosa Resolution was approved by both houses of the U.S. Congress in January 1955.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Aarathi — Historical peer (Born in 1954) (1954): Veteran Indian actress celebrated for her roles in Kannada cinema during the 1970s and 1980s.
• Abdel Fattah el-Sisi — Historical peer (Born in 1954) (1954): Egyptian military leader who became the sixth President of Egypt in 2014.
• Akiko Yano — Historical peer (Born in 1955) (1955): Pioneering Japanese jazz and pop singer known for her eclectic style.
• Akira Toriyama — Historical peer (Born in 1955) (1955): Pioneering manga artist, creator of Dr. Slump and the global phenomenon, Dragon Ball.
• Abdullah Gül — Historical peer (Born in 1950) (1950): Turkish politician who served as President (2007-2014) and Prime Minister.
• Agnes Smedley — Historical peer (Died in 1950) (1950): American journalist and activist supporting Indian Independence and Chinese Communism.

Frequently Asked Questions about First Taiwan Strait Crisis