End of Dutch Influence in Taiwan
Fort Zeelandia, Guosheng Road,The Siege of Fort Zeelandia (1661-1662) marked a pivotal moment in Taiwan's history, ending the Dutch East India Company's dominance and ushering in the Kingdom of Tungning's rule. The Dutch had established their presence in Taiwan, particularly at Fort Zeelandia and Fort Provintia. However, in the mid-1660s, Koxinga, a Ming loyalist, saw the strategic importance of Taiwan. Armed with detailed knowledge from a defector and possessing a formidable fleet and army, Koxinga launched an invasion. Despite initial resistance, the Dutch were outmaneuvered and outgunned. After a prolonged siege, dwindling supplies, and no hope for reinforcements, the Dutch, led by Governor Frederick Coyett, surrendered Fort Zeelandia to Koxinga.
Both sides employed brutal tactics during the conflict. The Chinese captured many Dutch prisoners, and following failed negotiation attempts, they executed several, including the missionary Antonius Hambroek. Dutch women and children were enslaved, with some women forced into concubinage. The Dutch also had confrontations with the local Taiwanese indigenous communities, who at various times allied with both the Dutch and the Chinese.
Following the siege, the Dutch attempted to reclaim their lost territories but faced continuous challenges. They formed an alliance with the Qing dynasty against the Zheng forces, resulting in sporadic naval battles. By 1668, aborigine resistance and strategic challenges forced the Dutch to abandon their last stronghold in Keelung, marking their complete exit from Taiwan. However, naval skirmishes between the Dutch and Koxinga's successors continued, with the Dutch suffering further defeats.