In the year 1645, the Qing army had almost completely wiped out the Ming dynasty. In that same year, a man named Zheng Zhilong, based in Fujian, proclaimed Zhu Yujian—a descendant of the Ming founder Zhu Yuanzhang—as emperor. Zheng Zhilong was, notably, the father of the national hero Zheng Chenggong (Koxinga). Meanwhile, the Qing forces advanced into Fujian. Not wanting to engage in further conflict, Zheng Zhilong chose to surrender to the Qing. However, Zheng Chenggong took over his father's remaining troops and continued to fight in support of the Ming dynasty. The following year, the Qing court, using Zheng Zhilong’s name, managed to win over many of his former followers and relatives. Among those recruited was a man named Shi Lang.

Although Zheng Chenggong was deeply committed to restoring the Ming and resisting the Qing, his strength at the time was insufficient for such an ambitious goal. As a result, he ultimately reclaimed Taiwan from the Dutch as a base for the anti-Qing movement. Unfortunately, he passed away shortly thereafter. Zheng Chenggong died in 1662, the same year Emperor Kangxi ascended the throne. That year was also notable for Wu Sangui, who set two historic precedents: he became the first Han Chinese official to be granted the title of prince and the first to be enfeoffed with autonomous rule over a fiefdom.

Zheng Chenggong’s sudden death offered the Qing dynasty, which was then nearly in control of all of China, an opportunity to reclaim Taiwan. Yet, those familiar with this period understand that Kangxi was only eight years old when he became emperor. The real power lay with four regents, including the influential Ao Bai, each with their own ambitions. Additionally, unrest in southwestern China remained unresolved, so the Qing court was not immediately focused on retaking Taiwan.

However, the surrendered general Shi Lang fully recognized Taiwan’s strategic importance and the threats it posed if left uncontrolled. He strongly urged the Qing court to prioritize the island’s recapture. At the time, Qing forces were generally successful in their campaigns and agreed that reclaiming Taiwan was inevitable. Following Shi Lang’s advice, the court dispatched troops twice to retake Taiwan, but due to multiple factors, both hastily planned operations failed to materialize.

Naval warfare is inherently unpredictable, so Shi Lang was reluctant to give up. Meanwhile, some court officials advocated a more conciliatory approach, favoring peaceful submission rather than military action. Growing impatient, Shi Lang submitted a strongly worded memorial urging immediate military intervention.

Unexpectedly for Shi Lang, this plea did not secure him another chance to reclaim Taiwan. Instead, it almost dashed his hopes altogether. By then, the regency was dominated by Ao Bai, who had consolidated power and ruled with an iron fist. Although a seasoned military man, Ao Bai was conservative in this matter and had his own hidden agendas. He opposed Shi Lang’s aggressive proposals, outright rejecting them, weakening Shi Lang’s naval forces, and effectively keeping him confined to Beijing.

Despite these restrictions, Shi Lang remained undeterred. He understood that the Qing court would eventually recapture Taiwan, and his expertise in naval warfare would be indispensable. He patiently stayed under the radar, carefully monitoring Taiwan’s situation and planning how to regain the island.

By 1669, Emperor Kangxi, who had by then assumed full authority, removed Ao Bai through a series of maneuvers and began to personally lead military campaigns. Because Shi Lang had been very active earlier and Kangxi was a perceptive ruler, he was well aware of the necessity to reclaim Taiwan. However, before Kangxi could organize internal affairs fully, the Revolt of the Three Feudatories erupted.

As discussed in a previous article on Wu Sangui’s rebellion, although Kangxi appeared to suppress the revolt with ease, it was actually a difficult and drawn-out struggle. Wu Sangui’s concealed strength was significant, and Kangxi’s youthful impulsiveness and underestimation of Wu led to an eight-year-long conflict, demonstrating the costs of rushing into decisions without full understanding.

In 1681, as the Three Feudatories were finally quelled, Taiwan, just across the sea, experienced internal turmoil. After Zheng Chenggong’s death, his eldest son Zheng Jing inherited his position. Unfortunately, Zheng Jing was irresponsible and indulged in pleasure, leaving governance to an aide named Chen Yonghua, who is believed to be the prototype for Chen Jinnan, leader of the legendary Red Flower Society.

While Chen Yonghua was alive, the Zheng regime maintained relative stability on Taiwan. After his death, many problems surfaced. Zheng Jing’s sudden death further complicated matters. His designated heir, Zheng Kezang, was manipulated and killed by palace guards led by Feng Xifan, preventing him from succeeding. The nominal leadership passed to Zheng Keshuang, who was only twelve at the time, leaving real power in the hands of regents like Feng Xifan. Meanwhile, factions loyal to the old Zheng family still existed, creating internal conflict.

Though Kangxi had just subdued the Three Feudatories, his experiences solidified the determination to reclaim Taiwan. Yet, while the Qing excelled in land warfare, capable naval commanders were scarce. At this crucial moment, trusted minister Li Guangdi recommended Shi Lang for the mission.

Kangxi was familiar with Shi Lang’s abilities. Shortly after Kangxi’s accession, Shi Lang had led earlier attempts to recover Taiwan, though unsuccessfully. These large-scale operations were well known to the emperor. One reason Ao Bai suppressed Shi Lang before was his close relationship with Kangxi, indicating they were long-time acquaintances.

Li Guangdi’s recommendation of Shi Lang was likely made with Kangxi’s approval. Contrary to simplified historical accounts that suggest Shi Lang was instantly successful upon appointment, he first conducted a “trial campaign” to test conditions. This operation, while nearly turning into full battle, was thwarted by weather and other factors.

Nevertheless, this preliminary action laid a solid foundation for Shi Lang’s eventual success. When he launched a fully prepared campaign, it took only eight days to capture the strategically vital island of Taiwan.

Historical records reveal that Shi Lang’s forces were not overwhelmingly superior in number compared to the Zheng loyalists. The decisive factors were internal instability within the Zheng faction and lack of popular support, enabling Shi Lang’s swift victory.

The Qing’s recapture of Taiwan under Kangxi illustrates several key points: first, Taiwan has always been an inseparable part of China; second, retaking Taiwan is not inherently difficult but requires thorough preparation; and third, with today’s strength, China could reclaim Taiwan far more quickly than in the past.

Therefore, we should remain confident that Taiwan will return, and when that day comes, the process will be swift and decisive. Let us watch and wait for that moment.