Shi Lang Returns to Fujian

After spending 98 days in Taiwan, Shi Lang returned to Fujian, where discussions about the future of Taiwan were underway. Some officials from the central government proposed relocating all inhabitants of Taiwan to the mainland, citing the challenges of defending the island and the financial burden of increased defense expenditures. They believed that abandoning Taiwan would be a more practical solution. However, Shi Lang strongly opposed this idea, arguing that such a move would leave Taiwan vulnerable to foreign threats. He asserted that a defense force of only 10,000 men would be sufficient to secure the island, and he proposed reducing the garrison forces on the mainland coast to facilitate this. His arguments resonated with most attendees at the Fujian conference, leading to a consensus on the necessity of annexing Taiwan, with the notable exception of one dissenting official, Subai. This pivotal discussion highlighted the strategic importance of Taiwan to the Qing Empire and set the stage for its eventual integration into the empire's territory.