zpostcode
Taiwan Strait crises
May 4, 2026 2:05 PM

  Taiwan Strait crises, a series of confrontations between the People’s Republic of China (P.R.C.) and the Republic of China (Taiwan; R.O.C.) across the Taiwan Strait that occurred from the 1950s through the early 2020s. These incidents involved the deployment, and in some cases active use, of military forces. Experts generally recognize four distinct crises, but conflict between the two governments is ongoing. Each Taiwan Strait crisis posed significant risk of escalation to open war between great powers, the first two occurring in the context of the Cold War and the latter two dramatically heightening tensions between the United States and ...(100 of 1194 words) Access the full article Help support true facts by becoming a member. Subscribe today!

Comments
Welcome to zpostcode comments! Please keep conversations courteous and on-topic. To fosterproductive and respectful conversations, you may see comments from our Community Managers.
Sign up to post
Sort by
Show More Comments
Recommend >
Was Coco Chanel a Nazi Spy?
     Coco Chanel and Winston Churchill French fashion designer Coco Chanel (center) with British statesperson Winston Churchill (right) accompanied by his son, Randolph Churchill, during a boar-hunting trip in Normandy, France, 1928. (more) Was Coco Chanel a Nazi Spy? Written by Alicja Zelazko Alicja Zelazko is Associate Editor, Arts and Humanities, covering topics in the visual arts, architecture, music, and...
Indian Premier League Records
     IPL 2025 champions Virat Kohli lifts the IPL trophy and celebrates with his Royal Challengers Bengaluru teammates after the team's victory against the Punjab Kings in the tournament final on June 3, 2025, in Ahmedabad, India. (more) Indian Premier League Records cricket Written by Tushaar Kuthiala Tushaar Kuthiala has over a decade of experience in news media, content creation,...
Is Cow Tipping Real?
     Reclined bovine A group of cattle relaxing in a field, with two of them lying down. (more) Is Cow Tipping Real? Written by Teagan Wolter Teagan Wolter is Associate Editor of Anthropology at Encyclopædia Britannica. Teagan Wolter Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained...
Is “Chai Tea” Redundant?
     Masala chai Earthenware mugs of warm and aromatic Indian spiced tea. (more) Is “Chai Tea” Redundant? The linguistic and colonial histories of a hot beverage Written by Charles Preston Charles Preston is Associate Editor for Religion at Encyclopædia Britannica. Charles Preston Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from...
Information Recommendation
Today in History—March 25: All Aboard History for the First Passenger Railway Launch
     Today in History is a daily newsletter from Britannica. (more) Today in History—March 25: All Aboard History for the First Passenger Railway Launch Written by Michele Metych Michele Metych is the lead editor for Today in History at Encyclopædia Britannica. Michele Metych Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether...
Today in History—March 24: The Lecture That Unraveled the Mystery of Tuberculosis
     Today in History is a daily newsletter from Britannica. (more) Today in History—March 24: The Lecture That Unraveled the Mystery of Tuberculosis Written by Michele Metych Michele Metych is the lead editor for Today in History at Encyclopædia Britannica. Michele Metych Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from...
jíbaro
     Jíbaro tobacco worker in Puerto Rico, 1938 Portrait of a jíbaro in traditional dress, reflecting the rural farming communities that later became a central symbol of Puerto Rican identity. (more) jíbaro Puerto Rican farmer Written by Katie Angell Katie Angell is Associate Editor at Encyclopedia Britannica, covering topics related to Latin America. She holds an MA from Vanderbilt University...
Why Is Blues Called the Devil’s Music?
     The legendary crossroads? Marker for the crossroads in Clarksdale, Mississippi, where blues musician Robert Johnson is said to have sold his soul to the Devil in exchange for musical talent. (more) Why Is Blues Called the Devil’s Music? Written by René Ostberg René Ostberg is an associate editor at Encyclopaedia Britannica. René Ostberg Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's...
Today in History—March 23: The U.S. Military’s Pigeon Service Ends
     March 23, 1957: What happened to the war hero pigeons? (more) Today in History—March 23: The U.S. Military’s Pigeon Service Ends Written by Michele Metych Michele Metych is the lead editor for Today in History at Encyclopædia Britannica. Michele Metych Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years...
...
Why Do Crabs Walk Sideways?
     Golden ghost crab (Ocypode convexa) This species, endemic to Australia, can walk sideways like many Brachyurans. Ghost crabs are one of the fastest crab species in the world, capable of achieving a speed of 10 miles (16 km) per hour when running on land. (more) Why Do Crabs Walk Sideways? Written by Manjishtha Bhattacharyya Manjishtha Bhattacharyya is an editor...
Jimmy Lai
     Speaking truth to power Jimmy Lai, shown during a 2020 interview, was imprisoned later that year for speaking out against the Chinese government. (more) Jimmy Lai media mogul imprisoned for criticizing the Chinese government Written by Fred Frommer Fred Frommer is a sports historian, author, and writer who has written for a host of national publications. Fred Frommer Fact-checked...