Ike Reaffirms U.S. Commitment to Taiwan

After Communist China commenced a barrage of artillery attacks on Taiwan-held islands of Quemoy and Matsu on Aug. 23, 1958, U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower went before the nation with this radio-television address. The President strongly reaffirmed the U.S. support of Taiwan leader Chiang Kai-shek, noting; "Some misguided persons have said that Quemoy is nothing to become excited about." Eisenhower warned that the Red Chinese were using the attacks on the islands to test the free world's courage in resisting aggression.