The Mudan Incident occurred during the Japanese invasion of Taiwan

The Mudan Incident occurred during the Japanese invasion of Taiwan, which was marked by a military campaign led by Saigō Jūdō. This campaign involved a force of 3,600 soldiers who arrived in southern Taiwan aboard four warships. The invasion began with the occupation of indigenous territories, leading to the destruction of villages by early June. The Mudan tribe, facing overwhelming military pressure, surrendered by July, resulting in the establishment of Japanese camps in the region. However, the Japanese forces faced significant challenges, including a health crisis that led to the illness of 600 soldiers and a death toll of 561. This situation prompted negotiations with Qing China, as Western powers urged for a peaceful resolution to avoid disruption in coastal trade. The negotiations culminated in the Peking Agreement, which recognized Japan's claims over the Ryukyu Islands as a vassal state and included an indemnity payment of 500,000 taels to Japan. The agreement marked a significant shift in regional power dynamics, as Japan's military actions and subsequent diplomatic successes highlighted its growing influence in East Asia. The withdrawal of Japanese troops from Taiwan in December concluded this episode, but the implications of the Mudan Incident continued to resonate in the context of Sino-Japanese relations and the broader geopolitical landscape of the region.