Matsu -- The Stuff of Legends

Written by Eric Lin and translated by Jonathan Barnard, the article was originally published by Taiwan's Sinorama magazine in May 2001. The article depicts a general picture of the changes Matsu has undergone thus far during the "three small links" fever. Military personnel, religious group members, businessmen from Taiwan and local village representatives have all been playing their own important roles in this rapidly changing scene.

The article begins with the following paragraph:

"In January 2001, when discussions about the 'three small links' to mainland China were grabbing headlines around the world, Matsu, due to its unique conditions, beat out Kinmen to become the first place in the ROC with direct travel, mail and trade links with mainland China. Matsu's special qualities have often attracted people's attention. Can the island, which is undergoing tremendous changes, really act as a bridge of peace across the strait and serve as a source for our modern day legends?..."