Record of a Mission to the Taiwan Strait, Volume 2

During the Jiajing era of the Ming Dynasty 1522–1566, the Hollanders original: "Helan Fan"; the Dutch, who established a presence in Taiwan in the 17th century who resided in Taiwan ultimately suffered defeat and fled back to their home. Because their home base is so distant, it is difficult for them to sustain a long-term presence. This is the first reason they do not pose a lasting threat to our borders.

Human beings cannot survive without the basic necessities of life. When barbarian ships arrive, they carry hundreds of merchants and sailors. Recently, foreign rice has been transported from Luzon the Philippines, so they have no lack of provisions. In truth, this makes them difficult to contend with. However, outside the Wanshan Islands, typhoons original: "jufeng"; the powerful seasonal storms of the South China Sea are a constant worry. Once they enter the Wanshan region, their supply lines are immediately severed.

Furthermore, the seawater there is unusually fresh in some seasons but turns salty in autumn and winter. The ocean to the north of Tanzhou is clear and sweet enough to drink in spring and summer, as it is where the waters of the North River flow into the sea. In the autumn and winter, the fresh water recedes and the salty sea mist rises. When the barbarians arrive to drop anchor, it is always during these autumn and winter months; at that time, even a tiny drop of water is undrinkable.

Therefore, the best strategy is to defend the strategic heights of the batteries paotai; defensive platforms for cannons, cut off the supply routes provided by treacherous subjects local collaborators who smuggled goods and provided intelligence to foreigners, block the Jiaoyi Spring, and stop them from drawing water from the Dragon’s Hole on the Great Island.

By making the defense of the shore our primary plan, we avoid engaging them on the open ocean. In this way, we remain rested while they grow weary; they are the guests, and we are the hosts. This is the second reason they do not pose a lasting threat. By eliminating those two vulnerabilities and guarding our two advantages, the path of trade remains open and smooth. Barbarian merchants will arrive in great numbers, sailing thirty thousand...