Brief: This article recounts how Taiwan returned to Qing rule. Zheng Chenggong (Koxinga) expelled the Dutch in 1662 and made Taiwan an anti‑Qing base. Decades later, Emperor Kangxi sent Admiral Shi Lang, who defeated Zheng’s forces at Penghu in 1683. Zheng Keshuang surrendered, and Kangxi formally incorporated Taiwan into the Qing Empire.
I. The Expulsion of the Dutch
Following the fall of the Southern Ming Dynasty, Zheng Chenggong (also known as Koxinga or Lord Zhu) remained a staunch loyalist, resisting the Qing forces from his base in Xiamen. Facing a Qing maritime ban that choked his supplies, Zheng looked across the strait to Taiwan as a new anti-Qing stronghold. At the time, Taiwan was under the control of the Dutch East India Company, who had established forts like Zeelandia and Provintia, oppressing the local population.
In 1661, a unique opportunity arose. He Bin, a Chinese interpreter working for the Dutch but secretly loyal to the Ming cause, defected to Zheng’s camp. He provided Zheng with detailed maps of the Dutch defenses and the treacherous channels around Taiwan. Seizing the moment, Zheng assembled a fleet of 200 warships and 25,000 troops. Despite facing a violent storm, Zheng insisted on setting sail immediately to maintain the element of surprise. His gamble paid off; the weather cleared just as they approached the Luermen channel. Guided by He Bin, the fleet navigated the shallow waters undetected and landed at dawn, catching the Dutch completely off guard.
II. Restoring Chinese Sovereignty
The Dutch governor, Frederick Coyett, initially attempted to bribe Zheng with 100,000 taels of silver to withdraw. Zheng firmly rejected the offer, declaring, “Taiwan has always been Chinese territory; you must leave.” After a siege lasting several months, during which the Dutch were cut off from supplies, Coyett surrendered. Zheng allowed the Dutch to depart with their personal belongings, marking the return of Taiwan to Chinese administration.
Zheng Chenggong passed away a year after this historic victory. His son, Zheng Jing, succeeded him but continued to resist the Qing, even allying with the rebellious Three Feudatories. This defiance compelled the Kangxi Emperor to resolve the “Taiwan issue” once and for all.
III. The Battle of Penghu
To lead the campaign, Kangxi appointed Admiral Shi Lang. Shi was a complex figure; he had formerly served under Zheng’s father but defected to the Qing after a family tragedy involving Zheng Chenggong. Despite concerns about his loyalty, Kangxi trusted Shi’s naval expertise. In the summer of 1683, Shi Lang led a massive fleet to the Penghu Islands.
There, they faced the Zheng forces commanded by Liu Guoxuan, a capable admiral who had fortified the islands with cannons and a defensive wall. The ensuing naval battle was fierce, characterized by heavy artillery fire. During the first day of combat, Shi Lang was struck in the eye by a musket ball. Refusing to retreat, he bandaged his wound and continued to command from the front lines. Although the initial engagement was difficult, Shi Lang reorganized his tactics. By the next day, the Qing navy overwhelmed the Zheng forces, forcing Liu Guoxuan to retreat to Taiwan.
IV. Reconciliation and Governance
With the main defense line broken, Liu Guoxuan advised the young ruler Zheng Keshuang to surrender. Recognizing the futility of further resistance, Zheng Keshuang yielded. Upon entering Taiwan, Shi Lang did not seek revenge against the Zheng family for his past grievances. Instead, he visited the shrine of Zheng Chenggong to pay his respects, weeping and declaring that national duty outweighed private vendetta. This act of magnanimity calmed the terrified populace.
Back in Beijing, the Kangxi Emperor was overjoyed. He rewarded Shi Lang with the title “Marquis of the Sea” and ennobled Zheng Keshuang as a duke. When some ministers suggested abandoning Taiwan due to its distance, Shi Lang argued passionately for its strategic importance as a shield for the coastal provinces. Kangxi agreed, establishing Taiwan Prefecture and garrisoning troops there, formally integrating the island into the Qing Empire.
Note
Zheng Chenggong (Koxinga)
A loyalist leader of the Southern Ming. In 1661, he expelled the Dutch colonizers and recovered Taiwan, making it an anti‑Qing base.
Kangxi Emperor
Qing emperor who ordered the reunification of Taiwan with China in 1683 to strengthen national sovereignty and coastal security.
Shi Lang
Qing naval commander. He won the Battle of Penghu, accepted Zheng Keshuang’s surrender, and strongly advocated keeping Taiwan under Qing rule.
Zheng Jing & Zheng Keshuang
Successors of Zheng Chenggong. They continued resisting the Qing until Zheng Keshuang surrendered in 1683.
Frederick Coyett
Dutch governor of Taiwan. He surrendered to Zheng Chenggong in 1662, ending Dutch colonial rule.
He Bin
Chinese interpreter for the Dutch who secretly provided Zheng Chenggong with military maps of Taiwan.
Liu Guoxuan
Zheng naval commander who defended Penghu but was defeated by Shi Lang.
Dutch Colonization of Taiwan
The Dutch East India Company occupied Taiwan and built forts Zeelandia and Provintia until expelled by Zheng Chenggong.
Battle of Penghu (1683)
Decisive naval battle where Qing forces defeated the Zheng army, clearing the way for Taiwan’s reunification.
Reunification of Taiwan
In 1683, Zheng Keshuang surrendered. The Qing established Taiwan Prefecture, formally incorporating Taiwan into the empire.
Three Feudatories
A large‑scale rebellion in southern China. Zheng Jing allied with the rebels, prompting the Qing to resolve the Taiwan issue.
National duty over private vendetta
Shi Lang’s noble choice: he did not avenge his personal grievances against the Zheng family, prioritizing national unity.
Taiwan as a coastal shield
Shi Lang’s famous argument that Taiwan was strategically vital to defend China’s southeast coast.
Leave a Reply