By Sarah Wu

DONGYIN/NANGAN, Taiwan (Reuters) – Lin Jih-shou was brewing tea last month in his popular breakfast joint when he heard the buzz of a plane – a rare sound on the remote Taiwanese-held island of Dongyin near China’s coast, which does not have an airport.

Lin, 64 years old, ran out of his house, only to see the shadows of what was later called a propeller-driven Chinese aircraft. This most likely meant Lin was trying to test Taiwan’s military response.

Residents of Dongyin, Taiwan and other Taiwanese islands were reminded of the danger from China’s huge neighbor. Taiwan considers Taipei’s democratically elected government unlegitimate. Taiwan is a rogue provincial that can be taken forcefully if necessary.

At the height of Cold War tensions, the Matsu Islands were frequently bombarded repeatedly by China. The history of war has focused attention on Russia’s invasion in Ukraine and the possibility that they will suffer the same fate.

Lin said to Reuters, “When Russia and Ukraine fight, our hearts hurt.” War is frightening. “War is too scary.

Taiwan has increased its alert since the invasion. However, it has yet to report signs of imminent attack.

Matsu was held in Taiwan by the Republic of China government that fled Taipei after winning the Chinese civil war in 1949.

The archipelago is home to a number of trendy shops and an emerging arts scene, despite China’s growing military influence in recent years.

Nangan’s main island is home to former military brothels as well as underground bunkers. These exhibits were opened in the Matsu Biennial last month.

Lii Wen said that it was a means to rebrand Matsu and tell the story of Matsu. He established the branch local of the Democratic Progressive Party’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party in 2020.

The outlying islands of Taiwan, which have been long considered military strongholds in the country, could be described as “a frontline to democracy,” Lii stated as a Ukrainian flag floated outside his office windows. Lii stated that Taiwan is in solidarity with Ukraine, despite their differences in regional contexts.

BUNKERS and WINE EVENINGS

Tsai, a Dongyin Native, was born in 1993. This year, Matsu’s rigid military rule came to an end. Tsai Pei-yuan and two of his classmates founded Salty Island Studio in 1993. It is a community center and cafe that hosts arts workshops and plays.

Tsai stated that it was more urgent to try and preserve culture which is rapidly disappearing, before attending a wine tasting event.

Many people talk about the Ukraine war, including jokes about hiding if China invades.

When we visit strongholds we often ask ourselves, “If a war does start, to which stronghold nearby would we go?” Chung Jingyei is 26, and manages Nangan’s Xiwei Peninsula.

Chung stated that it wasn’t until she had moved to Nangan, did she understand why many want to keep the status quo.

She stated, “My conviction that we should be independent countries is firm, but I also don’t want war.”

Bunker sites dot the rugged coasts of islands are transformed or abandoned into boutique hotels and tourist destinations.

Matsu’s older residents recall vividly their experiences of being forced to hide from Chinese shelling, and having to not be allowed to possess basketballs to fear that they might use them to travel to China.

Lucy Lin (62 years old) was a taxi driver and baker who said, “I don’t believe the two sides will battle.” She spoke as she listened to a Chinese radio station in her car. As long as you do not cross the lines, it’s okay.”

Shih Peiyin was an urban planner in Taipei prior to starting Xiwei and is eager to help improve the lives of Matsu’s citizens.

Shih explained that she hopes to continue working with residents of the island to make it better. Shih said, “Even though it’s short-term,” that was okay. “We tried our best.”