Portrait: AI-generated imagined likeness

Liu Yongfu

Military commander · Politician

Years: 1837–1917
Birthplace: China
Birth polity: Qing dynasty
Era: Modern
Field: Military
Occupations: Military commander · Politician

He was a military leader at the end of the Qing Dynasty who led the Black Flag Army and fought against the French forces. It is important in the context of the anti-French war linking southern China, Vietnam, and Taiwan. You can also see the history of the border between East Asia and Southeast Asia.

View in catalog

Historical context

Places

Guangxi
Birth
northern Vietnam
Campaign

Events

Sino-French War
1884–1885
War · Commander

Origins

Origins map

Birth countryAssociated countries

Birth country: China
Associated countries: Vietnam · Taiwan

Map: Natural Earth (PD)

Biography

Early life

Born in Guangxi, he rose to prominence during the post-Taiping Kingdom turmoil and armed groups in border areas. In southern China at the end of the Qing Dynasty, local military forces became involved in international conflicts.

Achievements

He led the Black Flag Army and fought against the French army in northern Vietnam. He was known for his resistance before and after the Sino-French War, and later became involved in the defense of Taiwan.

Character & anecdotes

It is difficult to explain Liu Yongfu's activities only in terms of the regular army of the Qing Dynasty. Civil-military forces spanning national borders served as both resistance to imperialism and regional politics.

Historical Impact

When you study Liu Yongfu, you realize that France's expansion into Indochina was not just an issue in Vietnam, but also involved the Qing Dynasty, Chinese armed groups, and Taiwan. This will provide a clue for looking at modern wars in East Asia from a broader perspective. It is also possible that it will have an impact on the institutions and memories of later generations.