The Japanese invasion and the French-Chinese War invigorated the island’s development in Ching Dynasty

  Ever since Taiwan opened its seaports to trade with foreign countries, it also opened its doors to missionaries of the Presbyterian Church. However, clashes inevitably took place between the civilians, the church and/or the foreign powers.  Among all, it was Moo-Dan-Ser Incident that marked a decisive turning point in Taiwan’s history. Moo-Dan-Ser Incident was about the Japanese made up the excuse that the island’s Mountain People murdered some Japanese from Ryukyu, so Japan decided to take revenge by invading Taiwan. After the Incident, Ching government recognized the crucial rule Taiwan played in the Dynasty’s military defense. The Emperor sent Shen Bau-Gen to come to Taiwan. Shen pacified the Mountain People, permitted mainlanders to cross the strait and move to the island, reorganized the Ministry of Civil Personnel and rectified the military discipline.  When Din Ryh-Chang succeeded Shen’s position, he hired foreign technicians to excavate the mine and, to make plans for setting up the underwater electrical cables connecting Taiwan and Fucho. Unfortunately, it was never completed due to various factors along the way; but, at least the section between Tainang and Kaohsiung was completed, which became one of the earliest cables connected in the history of China. In transportation, Din advocated railroad construction that would run from the south to the north, but because of a lack of funds, it was never realized. Nevertheless, Shen and Din stood out to be one of those diligent, industrious and open-minded officials of the Ching Dynasty; they dedicated themselves to the construction of Taiwan. 

After the Moo-Dan-Ser Incident had ended, the warfare between France and China (i.e. Ching Dynasty) in Vietnam spread to Fujian Province and Taiwan. Taiwan suddenly became a battlefield; Ching government immediately sent Liu Ming-Chuan, a famous general, to come to the island and be in charge of all the administrative matters of the armed forces. Before long, the two sides ceased fire and sat down together to negotiate; later the French troops were withdrawn. After this war was over, Taiwan was made a province. Liu perfectly understood that Taiwan and Penghoo are the keys to the southern Pacific region. While he was in Taiwan, he increased the quality and quantity of the armaments, in addition to fastened the development of the island in many aspects.