In the strait between Taiwan and China, a series of islands makes up Penghu, Taiwan’s smallest county. Most of the year, the islands’ sandy beaches offer a warm escape from city life.

Penghu, a summer tourist destination for its beaches, is close to Taiwan’s southwestern coast, unlike the Taiwan-controlled Kinmen and Matsu islands which are right next to the Chinese coast.

PENGHU, Taiwan--Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen visited a military base on one of Taiwan’s outlying islands Tuesday in a display of resolve following a recent show of force by rival China.