Taiwan’s Penghu Islands (澎湖) have been an important site of military activity for centuries, and have hosted U.S. military groups since the mid-century. Discover stories of how the U.S.-Penghu relationship has influenced the development of businesses and ways of life on Penghu. Penghu’s history is rife with military conflict, as the islands have been home to troops from various countries since the Age of Exploration. French, Dutch, Chinese, and American forces have all at one time had a presence on the Penghu Islands. In this episode of Frontline Residents, we tell the story of how and why Penghu became an important military outpost in the Taiwan Strait. In 2024, while Taiwan celebrated the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, China announced the production of a historical film about Shi Lang’s naval battle to “unify Taiwan.” The announcement served as a reminder of Penghu’s precarious position in the Taiwan Strait. Centuries ago, Penghu was more strategically important to China and had little relationship to Taiwan. However, after Koxinga drove the Dutch out of Taiwan in 1661, Penghu became an important base of military operations, and the islands have remained closely linked to Taiwan into the present day. The stationing of the American military on Penghu in the mid-century led local coffee culture to develop and initiated the founding of businesses catering to soldiers. In this way, the prospect of war on Penghu has created opportunities for residents and has become integral to their lives. Penghu residents are accustomed to both serving as, and living among, soldiers. How do these inhabitants of the Taiwan Strait balance their dependence on the military with their desires for peace? Hear the stories of Penghu residents who brew coffee for soldiers, study Penghu’s military history, and serve on the front lines.