In the early 17th century, the Dutch East India Company sought to expand its influence in East Asia and established a presence on Taiwan. The region was inhabited by various indigenous tribes who resisted foreign intrusion. As the Dutch aimed to control trade routes and resources in the area, tensions escalated between the colonial forces and the local populations. In 1635, Dutch colonial forces launched a systematic pacification campaign targeting various indigenous villages located in the central and southern parts of Taiwan. The campaign employed military strategies, including direct confrontations, skirmishes, and psychological operations to undermine tribal resistance.

The Dutch forces, equipped with superior weaponry and military organization, systematically defeated several native tribes, consolidating their authority over important areas of the island. This military campaign not only subdued opposition but also served to intimidate other tribes that might consider resisting Dutch rule. The pacification significantly enhanced the Dutch East India Company's ability to control the island, facilitating the establishment of plantations and trading posts that would drive economic activities for the colony.

The establishment of Dutch rule marked a significant shift in the socio-political landscape of Taiwan, effectively dismantling the indigenous power structures and integrating the island into the Dutch colonial economy. The military and economic strategies employed by the Dutch laid the groundwork for a long-lasting colonial legacy on Taiwan that would influence its future interactions with European powers and indigenous populations.