Qing Maritime Blockade of the Taiwan Strait in the 1670s

Timeline

1. 1669–1673coast of Fujian, Guangdong, and Zhejiang · southeast coastAfter Zheng forces withdrew from the Fujian coast in 1669, the eighth year of Kangxi's reign allowed partial restoration of the boundaries and some easing of the maritime ban. However, the Qing court still prohibited any sail from entering the sea; smuggling between the coast and Taiwan continued despite the ban, setting the stage for renewed blockade.
2. 1674–1678Xiamen and Haicheng, Fujian · FujianIn 1674, at Geng Jingzhong's invitation, Zheng Jing crossed the sea and occupied Xiamen; the Qing court used the relocation edict and maritime ban to cut off Zheng forces' logistics. After Shang Zhixin surrendered to the Qing in 1678, Prince Kang Jieshu and others negotiated with Zheng Jing, proposing that if he withdrew to Taiwan he could trade on terms comparable to Joseon; Zheng Jing initially refused and continued to hold Xiamen.
3. 1679–1680Taiwan Strait and the coasts of Fujian and Guangdong · Taiwan StraitIn 1679, because Zheng forces held Xiamen with popular support, the Qing court again issued the relocation edict, restoring the boundary of the eighteenth year of Shunzhi, burning coastal houses, and garrisoning troops. The navy intensified patrols in the strait, intercepting grain, pay, and migrants bound for Taiwan; in 1680 Zheng Jing was forced to abandon Xiamen and Kinmen and retreat entirely to Taiwan.