Introduction: Taiwan at a Crossroads in the Early Qing Dynasty

The late 17th century marked a pivotal moment in the history of Taiwan and the Qing Empire. After decades of conflict involving the Ming loyalists, Dutch colonists, and the burgeoning Qing dynasty, Taiwan’s status was uncertain. The Qing dynasty, under Emperor Kangxi, had just completed a major military campaign to wrest control of Taiwan from the Zheng family, who had ruled Taiwan as a bastion of Ming loyalism. Yet, with the immediate threat subdued, the imperial court faced a pressing question: what should be done with Taiwan?

The debate about Taiwan’s future was intense and fraught with competing interests, strategic considerations, and differing visions for the empire’s priorities. This article explores the historical context, the key figures involved, the arguments for and against retaining Taiwan, and the lasting significance of the decision made under Kangxi’s reign.

Historical Context: Taiwan Before Qing Control

Taiwan in the 17th century was a contested island with a complex history. Initially inhabited by indigenous peoples, it became a strategic location for European powers, most notably the Dutch, who established a colony in southern Taiwan in the early 1600s. The Dutch East India Company sought to use Taiwan as a trading hub and a base for regional influence.

However, the Ming loyalist leader Zheng Chenggong expelled the Dutch in 1662 and established his regime on the island as a base for resisting Qing conquest of mainland China. His descendants continued to rule Taiwan as a semi-independent regime, which posed a persistent challenge to Qing authority.

The Qing dynasty’s military campaign to bring Taiwan under imperial control culminated in 1683, led by the formidable admiral Shi Lang. With the defeat of the Zheng loyalists, Taiwan was effectively incorporated into the Qing Empire, but the question of its future governance and strategic value remained unresolved.

Shi Lang’s Mission Accomplished: The Aftermath of the Conquest

Shi Lang was a key military figure whose naval expertise and leadership were instrumental in the Qing victory over the Zheng regime. His success cleared the path for Qing authority over Taiwan, but it also left the court with new challenges.

After the conquest, many Qing officials viewed Taiwan as a troublesome outpost—remote, sparsely populated, and economically marginal. Some advisors argued that the island was more a burden than a benefit, suggesting it be abandoned or minimally administered. For officials based in Beijing, Taiwan was a distant and vulnerable possession that required resources to defend but offered little in return.

The Debate Over Taiwan: To Abandon or Retain?

### Arguments for Abandoning Taiwan

Many court officials favored abandoning Taiwan. They saw little strategic or economic value in maintaining a presence on the island, especially after the threat posed by the Zheng loyalists had been eliminated. Some suggested relocating the island’s population to the mainland and relinquishing control, except for retaining the smaller Penghu Islands as fishing outposts.

One notable voice in this camp was the influential Grand Secretary Li Guangdi. Once a proponent of the campaign against Taiwan, Li later believed that defending Taiwan was unnecessary. He even proposed an unusual idea: to cede Taiwan back to the Dutch, reasoning that the Dutch had once clung to the island and that such a move might facilitate trade relations with Western powers.

This proposal reflected a pragmatic but controversial approach, prioritizing immediate peace and economic convenience over territorial claims. However, Emperor Kangxi did not accept this advice, wary of the political and symbolic consequences of abandoning territory.

### Arguments for Retaining Taiwan

On the other side of the debate were officials who recognized Taiwan’s broader strategic importance. The governor-general of Fujian, Yao Qisheng, argued passionately against abandonment. He warned that giving up Taiwan would invite renewed maritime raids and instability along the southeastern coast of China. From his perspective, Taiwan was a crucial buffer zone against potential foreign incursions and piracy.

Shi Lang himself presented a comprehensive strategic analysis. He emphasized the military, political, and economic significance of Taiwan as the “shield” of China’s southeastern maritime frontier. Shi argued that maintaining control over Taiwan was essential for safeguarding the empire’s coastal interests and preventing future threats.

Kangxi’s Deliberation and the Turning Point

Faced with these conflicting opinions, Emperor Kangxi sought counsel from Li Guangdi. When Kangxi asked about the strategic defense argument put forth by Yao and Shi Lang, Li initially dismissed the possibility of threats in the near future. Kangxi then posed a more profound question: what about the long-term security of the Qing Empire? Could the dynasty afford to lose such a significant maritime outpost decades down the line?

Li Guangdi was left speechless, unable to provide a convincing rebuttal. This moment marked a turning point in the court’s stance on Taiwan. Other officials quickly reconsidered their positions, and there was a groundswell of support for retaining the island.

By January 1684, Kangxi made a decisive proclamation: Taiwan was not to be abandoned or neglected but fully integrated under Qing administration. The island was established as Taiwan Prefecture, subordinate to Fujian province, and brought firmly under central government control.

The Fate of Key Figures: Yao Qisheng and Shi Lang

The decision to retain Taiwan was a posthumous vindication for Yao Qisheng, who had died shortly after submitting his memorial advocating for the island’s retention. Yao passed away at the age of sixty, and although there were later accusations of financial improprieties related to shipbuilding and armaments, Emperor Kangxi showed clemency, honoring Yao’s contributions to recovering Taiwan.

Shi Lang, rewarded for his military achievements, was ennobled as the Marquis Who Pacifies the Sea. Having avenged his past grievances and secured his legacy, Shi Lang retired from military service and lived out his days in relative peace, passing away in 1696. The Qing court posthumously honored him with the title of Marquis Xiangzhuang and conferred upon him the prestigious position of Tutor to the Crown Prince.

Cultural Memory and Legacy

The enduring legacy of Shi Lang, Yao Qisheng, and the Kangxi Emperor’s decision is commemorated in various ways, especially in Fujian Province, Shi Lang’s homeland. A notable example is the memorial hall dedicated to Shi Lang in Jinjiang County, Quanzhou. There, an evocative couplet encapsulates the historical significance of their lives and deeds:

“One platform stands eternal, reclaiming Taiwan eternal;
One Zheng, one Shi, stand unmatched.”

This poetic tribute contrasts the two pivotal figures associated with Taiwan’s fate: Zheng Chenggong , the Ming loyalist who first established Chinese rule on the island, and Shi Lang, the Qing admiral who ended the Zheng regime and secured Taiwan for the Qing dynasty.

Taiwan’s Integration and Strategic Significance in Qing China

The decision to retain Taiwan had profound implications for the Qing Empire and the region’s history. Taiwan became a critical part of China’s maritime frontier, serving as a bulwark against foreign powers and facilitating trade and cultural exchange.

Under Qing rule, Taiwan underwent gradual administrative development, population growth, and economic integration. Despite occasional rebellions and challenges, the island remained a vital territory within the Chinese imperial system.

The Kangxi Emperor’s foresight in retaining Taiwan set the stage for centuries of Chinese governance and influence on the island, shaping its political and cultural trajectory well into the modern era.

Conclusion: A Decision That Shaped East Asian History

The debate over Taiwan’s fate in the 1680s was more than a bureaucratic dispute; it was a defining moment that reflected the Qing dynasty’s strategic priorities and imperial vision. Thanks to the counsel of figures like Shi Lang and Yao Qisheng, and the wisdom of Emperor Kangxi, Taiwan remained a vital part of China.

This decision not only safeguarded the empire’s southeastern coast but also ensured Taiwan’s deep integration into Chinese history. The legacy of this period continues to resonate today, reminding us how decisions made centuries ago can echo through time, influencing geopolitics, identity, and cultural memory.