The incident in Donggang, Lieyu, Kinmen was a significant and controversial military action taken by the Taiwanese armed forces against a group of Vietnamese refugees. The refugees were fleeing their war-torn country, navigating on a small boat in hopes of reaching Taiwan, known for its economic opportunities and relative safety. When intercepted by Taiwanese naval personnel, the situation escalated quickly. According to reports, Taiwanese soldiers opened fire on the unarmed individuals, leading to the deaths of 19 of them. This action was not only shocking but prompted widespread condemnation from various human rights organizations and officials worldwide.

The event occurred in the context of global awareness regarding the plight of Vietnamese refugees during the post-Vietnam War period. Many Southeast Asians sought asylum and a better life abroad, and Taiwan's actions reflected the complex geopolitical tensions of the time, combining issues of national security with humanitarian considerations. The Taiwanese authorities defended their actions by claiming national defense protocols were necessary to deter illegal immigration and potential threats, yet the international community called for accountability and transparency regarding the tragic loss of life.

In the aftermath, this massacre contributed to heightened scrutiny of Taiwan's immigration policies and military conduct. Civil society groups within Taiwan rallied for greater human rights protections and a reevaluation of policies concerning migrants and refugees. The massacre left a long-lasting impact on both the survivors and families of the victims, along with international observers who sought to ensure that such incidents never repeat in the future.