Game Description
The Story
Background of Tai A Chau in Soko Islands (REAL HISTORY)
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Depopulation in the 1980s
During the 1980s, the original fishing and farming communities gradually left Tai A Chau. This depopulation was driven by economic changes and government policies, preparing the island for a new purpose.
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The Vietnam War and Its Aftermath
The Vietnam War (1955โ1975) devastated the country, ending with the fall of Saigon in 1975. The new government imposed strict control, including re-education camps for hundreds of thousands of former South Vietnamese soldiers and officials. Economic hardship and political persecution, triggered widespread fear and unrest.
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The Vietnamese Boat People Crisis
From 1978 onwards, an estimated 800,000 to 1 million Vietnamese fled the country by sea, risking dangerous voyages in overcrowded boats. Approximately 200,000 to 400,000 refugees died due to storms, starvation, or piracy. This mass exodus created a refugee crisis, with many seeking asylum in places like Hong Kong, where detention centres such as Tai A Chau were established.
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Vietnamese Refugee Detention Centre (1991โ1996)
From 1991 to 1996, Tai A Chau was transformed into a large detention centre for Vietnamese refugees. At its peak, nearly 55,000 refugees lived there under challenging conditions, with occasional unrest reflecting the difficulties faced during this period.
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Riot on August 27, 1989
On the morning of August 27, 1989, over a thousand boat people on Tai A Chau violently attacked 50 police officers on duty. The police were forced to retreat temporarily, and the Marine Police deployed more than 100 riot control officers to suppress the uprising. During the clash, 41 tear gas canisters were fired, resulting in injuries to 21 police officers, 2 sergeants, and 4 boat people. One arrest was made amid the chaos.
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Police Regain Control
By the following day, police successfully regained full control of Tai A Chau. A coordinated operation involved the Police Tactical Unit landing by military craft and helicopter, supported by a naval blockade around the island. Resistance quickly diminished, allowing authorities to restore order. The recovery marked the end of the violent unrest and reestablished government authority over the detention centre.
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Closure and Demolition (Post-1996)
Following the campโs closure in 1996, all detention facilities were demolished. The island was cleared of human habitation, marking the end of its role as a refugee centre and a significant chapter in Hong Kongโs refugee history.
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Conservation and Present Status
Today, Tai A Chau is uninhabited and incorporated into the South Lantau Marine Park. It is recognized for its ecological value, preserving both its natural environment and the layered history of human presence on the island.
