Second Taiwan Strait Crisis

The Second Taiwan Strait Crisis (1958) was a conflict between China and Taiwan, where China aimed to assert control over the Taiwan Strait, a crucial shipping route. China shelled islands controlled by Taiwan (the Penghu Islands) to pressure Taiwan and the U.S. to limit Taiwanese independence efforts. The U.S. supported Taiwan with military aid and naval patrols, aiming to deter Chinese aggression. The crisis involved intense artillery bombardments and close military encounters, ultimately leading to a de-escalation. It highlighted the ongoing tensions in the region and the strategic importance of Taiwan, influencing Cold War dynamics in East Asia.