Ming Officials Issue Trade Licenses

Ming officials began issuing trade licenses for Chinese junks to operate in northern Taiwan, recognizing the pre-existing illegal trade activities in the region. This initiative marked a formal acknowledgment of the economic interactions between Chinese merchants and the indigenous populations. Chinese traders initially arrived in northern Taiwan, engaging in commerce by exchanging iron and textiles for local resources such as coal, sulfur, gold, and venison. This trade not only facilitated the flow of goods but also established a foundation for further economic development in the area. Over time, the southwest of Taiwan emerged as a primary destination for these trading activities, reflecting the growing significance of trade in shaping the region's economy and cultural exchanges.