A second British East India Company voyage, commanded by Sir Henry Middleton, reached the islands of Ternate, Tidore, Ambon, and Banda in 1604. In Banda, the expedition encountered fierce hostility from the Dutch East India Company (VOC), marking the beginning of Anglo-Dutch competition for control over the lucrative spice trade.
Between 1611 and 1617, the English established trading posts in Sukadana (southwest Kalimantan) and other key locations, further intensifying their commercial rivalry with the Dutch in the region. Posts include: ...
