evidence: The emergence of "Matsu" as a singular unit and not a plurality of smaller units reflects the region’s gradual encroachment of state power after centuries of ruling from afar. In part, due to the development of administrative techniques – but primarily in response to the emerging Cold War – establishing regional control significantly leapt up the list of priorities for the ROC government. After a series of stops and starts and different administrative transformations, "Lienchiang County（連江縣)" – originally one of the counties along the Fuzhou’s coast and administrative sections of the Matsu Islands – became the government of the whole Matsu Islands, and a new county seat was established on Nangan, which slowly emerged as the centre of this new region. Like the rest of the ROC’s territories, this was also a period of martial law and tight surveillance across Matsu. Although such governance was lifted, this region was no longer governed under the martial institution after 1992. Moreover, "Lienchiang County" and the name "Matsu" continued to carry their significance until recently.