The map above of Shiyu Islet shows just how close Mainland China and Taiwan are at their closest point.
As you can see, the islet is much closer to the Chinese city of Xiamen in Fujian province than it is to main island of Taiwan (Formosa).
And it’s not alone, Taiwan owns several more islets close to mainland China as well as larger islands such as Lieyu (seen in the map above) and Kinmen island (Taiwan’s second largest island by area).
Here’s some more maps and pictures of them:
Location of Shiyu Islet Relative to China
The map above shows the location of Shiyu Islet relative to both mainland China and Taiwan.
Location of Shiyu Islet Relative to Taiwan
The map above shows the location of Shiyu Islet relative to the rest of Taiwan.
Picture of Shiyu Islet
Locations of outlying islands governed by Taiwan
Here’s a list of all Taiwanese islands larger than 5km2.
| Island Name | Geographical unit | Area (km²) |
|---|---|---|
| Taiwan Main Island/ Formosa | Taiwan | 35,807.82 |
| Kinmen Main Island | Kinmen | 134.25 |
| Penghu Main Island | Penghu | 65.41 |
| Orchid Island | Taiwan | 46.82 |
| Xiyu Island | Penghu | 17.84 |
| Waisanding Shoal | Taiwan | 17.22 |
| Green Island | Taiwan | 15.09 |
| Lesser Kinmen Island (Lieyu) | Kinmen | 14.85 |
| Baisha Island | Penghu | 13.88 |
| Nangan Island (Matsu) | Matsu | 10.43 |
| Cimei/Qimei Island | Penghu | 7.59 |
| Lamay Island | Taiwan | 6.8 |
| Wang'an Island | Penghu | 6.74 |
| Beigan Island | Matsu | 6.44 |
How & Why did this happen?
Taiwan’s control over a number of outlying islands is the result of a complex mix of historical events, legal claims, strategic military considerations, and administrative decisions made over many decades.
Here’s an overview of the key factors involved:
1. Historical Background
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Pre-1949 Era:
Before the end of the Chinese Civil War, the government of the Republic of China (ROC) governed a much larger territory that included mainland China as well as various coastal islands. Many of these outlying islands—such as the Penghu archipelago, Kinmen (Quemoy), and the Matsu Islands—had been administered as part of China for centuries. -
After the Civil War:
In 1949, following the civil war, the ROC government retreated to Taiwan while the People’s Republic of China (PRC) was established on the mainland. Despite losing control of the mainland, the ROC retained its administration over the islands that were already under its governance. This meant that islands close to the mainland, such as Kinmen and Matsu, remained under ROC (Taiwan) control, even though they are geographically near the PRC.
2. Legal and Sovereignty Claims
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Continued Claims:
For many years, the ROC maintained that it was the legitimate government of all of China, and its administration of these islands was part of that broader claim. Although the political landscape has changed considerably since 1949, the administrative control over these territories has persisted. -
International Agreements and Disputes:
Various treaties and agreements over the decades have addressed—or sometimes complicated—the status of these islands. While the ROC (Taiwan) administers them as part of its territory, the PRC also claims sovereignty over them. International perspectives on these issues can vary, but on the ground, the ROC has continued to manage and defend these areas.
3. Strategic and Military Considerations
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Geographical Importance:
Many of Taiwan’s outlying islands are located in strategically critical positions. For example, Kinmen and the Matsu Islands lie very close to the southeastern coast of mainland China. Their positions allow Taiwan to monitor activity on the mainland and serve as an early warning system. -
Defense and Deterrence:
The retention and defense of these islands have long been a central part of Taiwan’s military strategy. By controlling territories near the Chinese mainland, Taiwan is better positioned to deter potential military aggression and maintain a strategic buffer zone. -
Maritime Control:
Beyond their military role, these islands help secure important sea lanes and fishing grounds. They also contribute to Taiwan’s ability to project influence over surrounding maritime areas, which is important for both economic and security reasons.
4. Administrative Integration and Local Governance
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Local Administration:
Taiwan has incorporated these islands into its administrative framework. For instance, the Penghu Islands, Kinmen, and Matsu are each organized as counties. This integration helps ensure that the islands are governed under the same legal and political system as the main island of Taiwan. -
Economic and Social Development:
Over time, Taiwan has invested in infrastructure, local governance, and economic development on these islands. In recent decades, some of them have also become tourist destinations, which reinforces their role as active parts of Taiwan’s national territory rather than merely military outposts.
5. Why It Matters
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Symbolic Value:
Control over these islands is also a symbol of Taiwan’s claim to be a sovereign state with its own territory, despite the complicated international status resulting from the legacy of the civil war and the ongoing cross-strait dispute. -
National Security:
The military and strategic significance of these islands continues to be a key factor. Their proximity to the PRC makes them valuable for monitoring, defense, and maintaining a forward presence in the region. -
Political Identity:
Over the years, the administration and defense of these islands have helped shape Taiwan’s national identity, reinforcing the idea of Taiwan as a distinct political entity with a unique history, even as debates about cross-strait relations continue.
Have you ever visited any of the islands before?
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