In 1958, the Nationalist forces that ruled Taiwan conducted a 44-day artillery duel with the mainland, firing from the tiny islands of Matsu and Quemoy. At the time, the exchange prompted fears of a wider conflict. Slowly, however, the barrages became routine: China only fired on odd-numbered days to make sure that soldiers could find cover. Last week, Taiwan launched an offensive of a different sort from the same islands. This time, however, the assault was wholly peaceful; it represents a first step -- albeit a tiny one -- in the resumption of normal relations between Taiwan and the mainland.
Three small ships sailed legally from the front-line islands to mainland China for the first time in 51 years. The ships, crowded with tourists, departed from Quemoy and Matsu, which can be seen from the mainland, and docked at ports in Fujian Province. There has been illicit trade for years, although the authorities merely ignored it. But last month, the government of Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian decided to make those trips legal. China grudgingly approved.
China's lack of enthusiasm was predictable. Although Beijing has pushed for direct contact between the island and the mainland, it wants full trade, transport and postal links. Instead, Mr. Chen approved contact only for residents of the offshore islands, who must use Taiwanese ferries. Mainland visitors are limited to 700 a week, and they can tour only the islands.