1683: The Battle of Penghu – S6-E22
Key Takeaways
- In July 1683, more than 400 warships clashed around the Penghu Islands in one of the greatest naval battles in Chinese history.
- Qing admiral Shi Lang led the naval campaign to destroy the Zheng regime, the last major stronghold of Ming loyalist resistance on Taiwan.
- The historic Battle of Penghu successfully brought Taiwan under Qing rule and ultimately decided the island's fate for centuries.
- Over three centuries later, the Battle of Penghu remains politically explosive, influencing modern cross-strait tensions and propaganda efforts.
- A planned Chinese blockbuster film about Shi Lang's victory was mysteriously pulled just before its scheduled release in July 2026.
In July 1683, more than 400 warships clashed around the Penghu Islands in one of the greatest naval battles in Chinese history. Qing admiral Shi Lang had come to destroy the last major stronghold of Ming loyalist resistance: the Zheng regime on Taiwan. The naval campaign would decide Taiwan’s fate.
More than three centuries later, the Battle of Penghu is politically explosive once again. A Chinese blockbuster about Shi Lang’s victory was due to open in late July 2026, complete with the message that “the unification of Taiwan is unstoppable.” Then, just before its release, the movie mysteriously disappeared from cinemas.
John and Eryk tell the story of the battle that brought Taiwan under Qing rule, and ask why Beijing got cold feet with their propaganda piece.
Note: this episode is also available as a video (on Spotify and YouTube). Oh, and apologies for the er… creative madness of Eryk’s movie trailer – blame it on the summer heat.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Battle of Penghu?
The Battle of Penghu was a massive 1683 naval clash involving over 400 warships near the Penghu Islands, where Qing admiral Shi Lang defeated the Zheng regime and brought Taiwan under Qing rule.
Who was Shi Lang?
Shi Lang was the Qing dynasty admiral who led the naval campaign that successfully defeated the Ming loyalist Zheng regime on Taiwan in 1683.
Why is the Battle of Penghu still relevant today?
The battle is politically explosive because Beijing frequently uses the history of Shi Lang's victory and Taiwan's incorporation into the Qing empire for modern political narratives and propaganda regarding reunification.
