Dongyin Island, less than 50 kilometers from mainland China, may seem like an insignificant small island but has recently attracted widespread attention.
Rumors suggest that the island has been completely hollowed out by Taiwan, becoming an important military stronghold.
This has sparked curiosity: Why does Taiwan care so much about this island? What is its significant importance to Taiwan?
Dongyin Island, also known as Dongyin, is part of the Mazu Archipelago and is located in Dongyin Township, Lianjiang County, Fuzhou City, Fujian Province, China.
Its geographical coordinates range from approximately 102 degrees 10 minutes to 103 degrees 40 minutes east longitude and 24 degrees 23 minutes to 26 degrees 33 minutes north latitude.
Its location places it approximately 100 nautical miles northwest of Keelung, Taiwan, controlling the sea passage between Mawei Port and Shanghai.
Dongyin Island is situated in the East China Sea and faces Taiwan across the sea, serving as one of China's territorial baselines.
The island's terrain is diverse, mainly composed of basin ronggao plateau landforms and red mountain plain landforms, with elevations mostly between 1500 and 2800 meters.
Adjacent to Xiying Island (Qingshui Island), the two islands are only half a huawei apart and can be crossed on foot during low tide.
This undulating terrain provides natural conditions for military defense.
From a strategic perspective, Dongyin Island and its nearby islands control the sea passage between Mawei Port and Shanghai, holding significant strategic importance.
These islands are not only the starting point of China's territorial sea but also important bases for Taiwan Coast Guard ships and warships to operate in the nearby waters.
For Taiwan, the strategic significance of Dongyin Island is self-evident.
It is located approximately 100 nautical miles northwest of Keelung, Taiwan, making it a strategically significant island.
Dongyin Island directly faces the Taiwan Strait, overlooking Taiwan, thereby shortening the distance between the two places geographically.
Being about 157 kilometers from Taiwan makes exchanges between the two sides more convenient.
In addition to its geographical location, Dongyin Island's role as a military stronghold also reflects its strategic significance.
The island has complete military facilities, including anti-aircraft and anti-ship missile systems, radar stations, and missile positions, all of which are important components of Taiwan's defense system.
Especially the Sky II type surface-to-air missile positions provide solid security for the island.
However, Dongyin Island is not solely military-focused. Civilian facilities on the island are also well-established, with residential and military facilities coexisting, demonstrating its warmth and convenience as a residential area.
Schools, kindergartens, gas stations, power plants, and other facilities provide residents with stable energy supply and a good learning environment.
In summary, Dongyin Island is not only an important link and sea passage between mainland China and Taiwan but also an important part of China's maritime territory, with significant strategic importance and economic value.
Now, let's delve deeper into the strategic value of Dongyin Island.
Firstly, the island is located in the East China Sea, facing the Taiwan Strait directly, which is crucial for controlling this important sea area.
Secondly, Dongyin Island is connected to the sea passage between Mawei Port and Shanghai, possessing natural geographical advantages and providing security for maritime channels.
Moreover, as one of the baselines of China's territorial sea, Dongyin Island is also an indispensable part of China's national defense system.
Its geographical location makes it an important strategic point between mainland China and Taiwan, providing crucial support for China's defense strategy.
Furthermore, the importance of Dongyin Island is also reflected in its function as a residential area.
The island has comprehensive civilian facilities, providing residents with a good living environment.
The existence of educational institutions such as schools and kindergartens guarantees education for island residents, while facilities such as gas stations and power plants provide necessary support for residents' lives.
In conclusion, Dongyin Island not only has significant strategic value in terms of geographical location but also serves as an important place for residents' lives.
As China's national defense continues to develop and improve, the status and role of Dongyin Island will become more prominent.
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