Asia 793
the norm. This particular dispute began with separate exchanges of artillery in January
and February 1956. Then, on July 10, 1956, as three Nationalist jets were patrolling
between Matsu and Shuang Feng Island, they encountered and clashed with eight Chi-
nese MiG fighters. All jets returned safely. Later that month, on July 24, Nationalist
planes attacked and sunk two Communist fishing boats off the coast of Fukien, China.
On September 5, Nationalist planes sank a Chinese Communist gunboat and heavily
damaged three others off Tung-shan Island, between Swatow and Quemoy. These
types of incidents continued through May 1957.
Coding changes: Start Date changed from July 22, 1956. End Date changed from
August 8, 1956.
MID#1452
Started in June 1956. See the narrative in the 713 Taiwan/840 Philippines dyad dis-
pute list.
MID#173
Dispute Number: 173
Date(s): July 17, 1958 to December 6, 1958
Participants: 365 Russia, 710 China/2 United States of America, 713 Taiwan
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: 501–999 deaths
Narrative: This is the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis that began with China bombing
the islands of Kinmen and the Matsu Islands along the coast of China. Communist
Chinese forces followed with an attempted invasion of the Matsu but were repulsed by
Nationalist forces. Most contemporaries contended that the Chinese actions were an
attempt to probe the willingness and resolve of the United States to defend its Nation-
alist Chinese allies. The United States responded by quickly moving its Seventh Fleet
into the area and warning the Communist Chinese. The Soviets pledged support for
China, but also tried to caution against escalation. US forces were instrumental in
reinforcing air defenses for the Nationalist forces.
Coding changes: Start Date changed from July 22, 1958. End Date changed from
December 19, 1958. Fatalities changed from Missing.
MID#2859
Dispute Number: 2859
Date(s): March 20, 1959 to May 10, 1959
Participants: 710 China/713 Taiwan
Outcome (and Settlement): Released (None)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: China detained Taiwanese trawlers off Matsu Island on March 20, 1959.
The boats and crews were released on May 10, 1959.
Coding changes: End Date changed from May 11, 1959.