Koxinga, a Ming loyalist and military leader, initiated a complex campaign to expel the Dutch from Taiwan, which was then a colonial territory under Dutch control. The conflict began in 1661 when Koxinga landed on the island with a well-organized army determined to reclaim it as a bastion of resistance against the encroaching Qing Dynasty. The siege of Fort Zeelandia, the main fortification of the Dutch, lasted nine months and involved fierce fighting, resourceful guerrilla tactics, and relentless pressure from Koxinga's forces. The Dutch, despite their initial advantages, found themselves increasingly isolated and under-resourced as Koxinga’s strategy cut off their supply lines. On February 1, 1662, after a prolonged struggle, the beleaguered Dutch surrendered, marking a pivotal moment in the power dynamics of East Asia.

Upon capturing Fort Zeelandia, Koxinga established control over Taiwan, which he envisioned as a strategic base for launching efforts to restore the Ming Dynasty. His proclamation effectively turned Taiwan into a center for Ming loyalists and facilitated cultural exchanges between various Chinese communities and indigenous Taiwanese populations. This period marked the beginning of a significant Chinese presence on the island, laying the groundwork for Taiwan's future development. Koxinga’s legacy in Taiwan is commemorated today, showcasing his pivotal role in the island’s colonial history and its relationship with both the Chinese mainland and foreign powers.