The example concerns Ming supporters taking Taiwan from the Dutch after being displaced by the Qing. Three Dutch ships are compared with a Chinese force described as roughly 300 vessels. The claim that superior individual Dutch warships should therefore have won is challenged. The larger force was trying to land troops and could pursue that objective while avoiding a fleet duel. Preventing the landing required more than demonstrating that a Dutch ship could defeat an individual opponent.
Notable Point · 3:43:26-3:44:51
Dutch firepower and the amphibious objective at Taiwan
A powerful warship force still has to stop an enemy landing, making individual ship strength an incomplete measure of success.