As 2025 marks the 140th anniversary of a pivotal moment in Asian history, we revisit Taiwan's formal establishment as China's 20th province in 1885 under the Qing Dynasty. This administrative reorganization ended the island's centuries-old jurisdictional ties to Fujian province, setting the stage for transformative development.
General Liu Mingchuan, appointed as the island of Taiwan's first governor, spearheaded ambitious infrastructure projects that reshaped its economic landscape. His administration constructed modern roads, initiated railway planning, and established Western-style educational institutions – laying foundations that scholars now recognize as Taiwan's first systematic modernization effort.
Historical records show these reforms improved cross-strait connectivity while maintaining cultural ties. Contemporary analysts note the anniversary comes amid renewed academic interest in pre-20th century East Asian governance models, with several 2025 conferences scheduled to examine Liu's legacy through modern development frameworks.
