When Taiwan Crushed China in Battle: The Decisive Victory at Kinmen

Taiwan’s steadfast resistance to China’s attempts at unification has been a defining element of its history, marked by battles that have showcased the island nation’s military resilience. One of the most remarkable episodes in this saga is the Battle of Kinmen (Battle of Guningtou), where Taiwan decisively defeated China, taking over 5,000 prisoners of war in a historic clash.

Context: The Rise of Two Chinas

The division between China (People’s Republic of China, PRC) and Taiwan (Republic of China, ROC) emerged from the Chinese Civil War. In 1949, the Communist forces led by Mao Zedong defeated Chiang Kai-shek’s Kuomintang (KMT), establishing the PRC on the mainland. The Kuomintang retreated to Taiwan, preserving the Republic of China’s governance and ideals of democracy.

This separation has endured for over seven decades, with Taiwan maintaining its sovereignty despite Beijing’s persistent attempts to claim the island as part of its territory. The Kinmen islands, located just 10 kilometers (5.3 nautical miles) from mainland China, became a critical battleground in this struggle.

Prelude to the Battle: Mao’s Final Push

As the civil war neared its conclusion in 1949, Mao Zedong sought to eliminate the remnants of the Kuomintang by launching a decisive offensive on Taiwan. Mao believed that capturing Kinmen, a strategic archipelago of two large islands and 13 islets, was key to invading Taiwan. He deployed 10,000 troops for an initial assault, intending to reinforce them with another 10,000 once a foothold was secured.

However, the terrain and defenses of Kinmen posed significant challenges. The island’s eastern side was fortified by rugged mountains, while its western beaches, though more accessible, were heavily mined and fortified by Taiwanese forces anticipating such an attack.

The Battle of Kinmen: A Crushing Blow to China

On October 25, 1949, Mao’s forces launched their assault on Kinmen. Expecting an easy victory against what they believed to be demoralized Taiwanese forces, the Chinese troops encountered a meticulously prepared defense.

1. Strategic Defenses:
   Taiwanese forces had planted over 7,500 landmines along the beaches, making any amphibious landing perilous. The island was fortified with bunkers, traps, and tank regiments equipped with US-made M5A1 Stuart light tanks.

2. First-Day Casualties:
   The Chinese troops suffered heavy losses as their transport vessels were destroyed by anti-amphibious weapons. Artillery fire from the mainland proved ineffective, and by the end of the first day, over half of the initial Chinese force was either killed or incapacitated.

3. Taiwan’s Counteroffensive:
   Taiwanese air and naval forces launched a relentless counterattack, targeting Chinese vessels and cutting off reinforcements. The remaining troops were isolated and out of supplies, while Taiwanese forces advanced with superior firepower.

4. The Turning Point:
   On the second day, reinforcements from China arrived but were quickly overwhelmed. Taiwanese infantry, supported by tanks, regained control of Guningtou, a strategic village under Chinese occupation. By October 27, Chinese forces surrendered en masse, and over 5,000 soldiers were taken as prisoners of war.

Aftermath: A Symbol of Resistance

The Battle of Kinmen marked a humiliating defeat for Mao Zedong and the PRC. Despite the victory on the mainland, China failed to conquer Taiwan or its outlying territories. Subsequent attempts by Beijing to invade Taiwan throughout the 1950s also ended in failure, solidifying Taiwan’s status as a separate political entity.

The United States played a pivotal role in Taiwan’s continued resistance, providing military aid and deterrence against further aggression. Although China avoided direct conflict with the US Navy, its ambitions to reunify Taiwan persisted.

Modern Implications

Even today, China considers Taiwan a “renegade province” and has not ruled out the use of force for reunification. Chinese President Xi Jinping has intensified military drills around Taiwan, including near the Kinmen islands, to demonstrate Beijing’s resolve. However, Taiwan’s historic victory at Kinmen remains a powerful symbol of its ability to withstand overwhelming odds and maintain its sovereignty.

Conclusion

The Battle of Kinmen is a testament to Taiwan’s determination to defend its freedom and democratic values against formidable challenges. While the geopolitical tensions between China and Taiwan continue to escalate, the events of 1949 serve as a reminder of the island nation’s resilience and the high cost of underestimating its resolve.