VIDEO: 1683: The Battle of Penghu – S6-E22
Key Takeaways
- In July 1683, over 400 warships clashed in the Battle of Penghu, one of the greatest naval engagements in Chinese history.
- Qing admiral Shi Lang led the campaign to destroy the Zheng regime, the last major stronghold of Ming loyalist resistance on Taiwan.
- This pivotal naval campaign ultimately decided Taiwan's historical fate by bringing the island under Qing rule.
- The historical Battle of Penghu remains politically explosive today, influencing modern cross-strait tensions and propaganda efforts.
- A planned Chinese blockbuster about Shi Lang's victory was mysteriously pulled just before its July 2026 release, raising questions about Beijing's propaganda strategy.
AI images used are illustrations and most are not historically accurate.
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 slightly shorter audio only version (on Spotify, Apple and other podcast platforms) 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 engagement involving over 400 warships where Qing forces under Admiral Shi Lang defeated the Zheng regime, bringing Taiwan under Qing rule.
Who was Shi Lang?
Shi Lang was the Qing dynasty admiral who led the naval campaign that successfully destroyed the last major Ming loyalist stronghold in Taiwan.
Why is the Battle of Penghu politically relevant today?
The battle is frequently invoked in modern political discourse regarding Taiwan's sovereignty, as highlighted by recent controversies surrounding cancelled blockbuster films about Admiral Shi Lang's victory.
