evidence: The Matsu Islands, located on the Chinese coastline but considered part of Taiwan, have a complex historical background. While historically separate from Taiwan, they came under its control after Chiang Kai-shek’s Republic of China lost the civil war to Mao Zedong’s Communist Party. Today, Matsu and Kinmen are integral parts of the Republic of China. This article explores the islands’ history, unique characteristics, and their distinct position in the region. [...] The Matsu Islands, also known as Mazu, along with Kinmen, form a separate archipelago belonging to Taiwan but located off the Chinese coastline. Historically, Matsu had no direct connection with Taiwan, except for a period when both islands were part of China’s Fujian province (albeit briefly in the case of Taiwan). The present inclusion of Matsu and Kinmen within Taiwan is a consequence of Chiang Kai-shek’s loss in the civil war against Mao Zedong in 1949. These two islands are the only territories from mainland China that the Republic of China managed to retain. Consequently, I prefer to view Matsu and Kinmen as part of the Republic of China rather than Taiwan. The Republic of China is a nation that survived the civil war defeat and established its presence in Taiwan and the surrounding islands.