By Long Yang, Fang Bin, Jin Sheng and Zhang Xianrui
TAIZHOU, Sep. 8 -- To enhance the research on the joint island landing operation, the Chinese PLA Eastern Theater Command and the Yijiangshan Islands Landing Battle Memorial Museum in Taizhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province, co-hosted a special exhibition titled "Battle of Yijiangshan Islands & General Zhang Aiping's Commanding Art".
The Battle of Yijiangshan Islands, which broke out in January 1955, was the first joint landing operation carried out by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA). Following the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement, the United States escalated its military intervention in the Taiwan question. Under the command of General Zhang Aiping, chief of staff of the then East China Military Region, the battle was the first coordinated operation of the PLA's land, sea and air forces. After less than one day's fight from 18th to 19th January of 1955, the Chinese PLA liberated the Yijiangshan Islands.
In the face of increased harassment and provocation by remnants of the Kuomintang troops against China's coastal areas, this battle crushed the arrogant demeanor of the US and Taiwan forces who acted in collusion and had just signed the Mutual Defense Treaty in December 1954, one month before. Moreover, it also shattered the long-standing ambition of the regime of Chiang Kai-shek to harass and "counterattack the Chinese mainland" by taking coastal islands as footholds, and demonstrated China's strong determination and ability to liberate Taiwan and reunify the country.
The exhibition is divided into three parts, "Reviewing the Battle", "Enlightenment from the Battle", and "Commanding art of the General". Through over 200 documents and historical images, it authentically recreates the historical scene of Chinese PLA's first joint landing operation on the island and systematically analyzes the experiences and insights in strategic decision-making, joint command, battlefield control, political work, and other aspects related to liberating Yijiangshan Islands. It also comprehensively reviews General Zhang Aiping's revolutionary career and explores the key factors to achieve success of the joint island landing operation.
