Taiwan has been an inseparable part of
China since ancient times. It has beautiful scenery and is rich in agricultural
products.
In 1624, Dutch colonialists started to seize Taiwan gradually by cheating. Taiwanese
could not bear the pressure and plunder upon them. Though they never gave up resistance,
they were too weak to beat the Dutch. Zheng Chenggong, a Ming general who was resisting
Qing Dynasty in the coastal area of southeast China. He resolved to drive the Dutch
colonialists off Taiwan.
In 1661, Zheng Chenggong set out with an army from Jinmen and landed on Taiwan Island
by the guidance of the local people. Hearing of his arrival, Taiwanese went in groups
to welcome him as a family member. Zheng's forces had unimaginably spread all over
the island and the area before the Dutch began to respond. They besieged the Dutch
in Chikan (today's Tainan city) and cut off their water supply. The Dutch commander
offered Zheng 100,000 tael to retreat, but Zheng rebuffed and declared that Taiwan
was always a part of China and the Dutch colonialists had to withdraw at once. The
Dutch increased the reinforcements, attempting to beat Zheng. However, the well-prepared
Zheng made a head-on attack against the enemy and completely expelled them from
Taiwan in 1662.
The recovery of Taiwan was a great victory for Chinese in their resistance to colonial
invaders. For this, Zheng Chenggong became a national hero.
Reference data
A Brief History of Chinese Administration of Taiwan
In 230, Sun Quan, ruler of the state of Wu in the Three Kingdoms Period, sent his
envoy Wei Wen to Taiwan.
In 607, Emperor Yangdi of Sui Dynasty sent Zhu Kuan to Taiwan to reassure the local
people.
In 1292, Kublai Khan, Emperor Shizu of Yuan Dynasty, sent ministers to Taiwan to
reassure the local people.
In 1335, Yuan Dynasty set up the Penghu Inspectorate as the official administration
of Taiwan.
In 1684, Qing Dynasty set up Taiwan Prefecture.
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