Situated on the first island chain of East Asia, Taiwan is bordered by Northeast Asia in the north, Southeast Asia in the south, China in the west, and the Pacific Ocean in the East. This unique geographical position has brought Taiwan successive wars over the past 400 years.
During the 17th century, Taiwan was a barrier that needed to be breached along European powers’ trade route to Asia. In the 19th century, Taiwan became a stepping stone for Japan’s imperialistic expansion to the south. And in the 20th century, Taiwan was regarded as the U.S.’ chokehold on Japan.
If you take a count, Taiwan has been involved in at least nine battles. This episode of Taiwan History will present to you the important battles that decided the fate of Taiwan over the past 400 years.
