Zheng Chenggong, officially known as the Prince of Yanping, was a towering figure in 17th-century Chinese history. Born on August 27, 1624, and passing on June 23, 1662, he is more widely recognized internationally by his Hokkien honorific, Koxinga (國姓爺; pronounced Kok-sìng-iâ), which translates to "Lord of the Imperial Surname." This esteemed title was bestowed upon him by the Yongli Emperor of the Southern Ming dynasty, in recognition of his unwavering loyalty and valiant efforts to preserve the dynasty.

Koxinga emerged as a staunch Ming loyalist during a tumultuous period marked by the collapse of the Ming dynasty and the ascendance of the Manchu-led Qing dynasty. He dedicated his life to resisting the Qing conquest of China, primarily engaging in fierce naval and land battles along China's southeastern coast. His formidable maritime power allowed him to establish and maintain key strategic strongholds, such as Xiamen (Amoy) and Kinmen (Quemoy), from which he continuously challenged Qing authority and aimed for a Ming restoration, making him a central figure in the Ming-Qing transition.

The Strategic Conquest of Taiwan and Establishment of Tungning

In a pivotal move demonstrating his profound strategic foresight, Koxinga launched an ambitious expedition to Taiwan in 1661. This decision was driven by the pressing need for a secure and self-sufficient base, free from direct Qing military pressure, from which to continue his struggle for Ming restoration. At the time, parts of Taiwan had been under the colonial rule of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) since 1624, which had established lucrative trading posts and robust fortifications on the island, notably Fort Zeelandia.

Koxinga's well-organized forces successfully engaged and decisively defeated the Dutch outposts, culminating in the historic Siege of Fort Zeelandia. This monumental victory led to the establishment of a new dynastic entity, the House of Koxinga, which governed a significant portion of the island as the Kingdom of Tungning. Operational from 1661 until 1683, the Kingdom of Tungning represented the first comprehensive Han Chinese government in Taiwan and served as a vital symbol of continued Ming resistance against the burgeoning Qing empire.

The Epic Siege of Fort Zeelandia (1661-1662)

The Siege of Fort Zeelandia, lasting from April 1661 to February 1662, was a monumental conflict that irrevocably altered Taiwan's geopolitical landscape. Koxinga's formidable forces, estimated to be around 25,000 soldiers and hundreds of ships, laid siege to the primary Dutch stronghold, Fort Zeelandia (located in present-day Anping, Tainan). The Dutch garrison, though numerically inferior with approximately 2,000 defenders, was well-fortified and resisted fiercely for nine grueling months.

During the siege, Koxinga employed a shrewd combination of naval blockade, strategic land assaults, and relentless psychological warfare to eventually wear down the tenacious Dutch defenders. The formal surrender of Fort Zeelandia in February 1662 marked the definitive end of the Dutch East India Company's nearly four-decade rule over Taiwan. This triumph not only initiated the Kingdom of Tungning's sovereignty over the island but also concluded a significant chapter of European colonial influence in the region, paving the way for a distinct era of Chinese administration and cultural development in Taiwan.

Frequently Asked Questions about Koxinga and Taiwan

Who was Koxinga and what is his significance?

Koxinga, or Zheng Chenggong, was a prominent Ming dynasty loyalist who led a formidable military resistance against the Manchu-led Qing conquest of China in the 17th century. His significance is multifaceted: he commanded a powerful maritime force challenging the Qing, and most notably, he successfully expelled the Dutch from Taiwan, establishing the Kingdom of Tungning. He is revered as a national hero in both mainland China and Taiwan, symbolizing unwavering loyalty, maritime prowess, and the establishment of enduring Han Chinese presence and governance on Taiwan.

Why is Zheng Chenggong also known as Koxinga?

Zheng Chenggong acquired the internationally recognized name "Koxinga" from "Guoxingye" (國姓爺), a Hokkien honorific which directly translates to "Lord of the Imperial Surname." This title was personally bestowed upon him by the Yongli Emperor of the Southern Ming dynasty, signifying his direct association with the imperial Ming family and his steadfast commitment to their cause. European traders and missionaries, particularly the Portuguese and Dutch, adopted and transliterated this distinctive title, leading to its widespread recognition as "Koxinga."

What was the Kingdom of Tungning?

The Kingdom of Tungning was a short-lived but historically significant dynastic state established by Koxinga in 1662 on Taiwan, immediately following his successful conquest of the island from the Dutch. It was conceived as a secure and self-sustaining base for the eventual restoration of the Ming dynasty in mainland China. Ruling until 1683 when it was ultimately conquered by the Qing dynasty, the Kingdom of Tungning holds immense historical importance as the first comprehensive Han Chinese political entity to govern Taiwan, laying foundational elements for subsequent Chinese administration, agricultural development, and cultural influence on the island.