The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa Files
A Short Intro to “Daddy Zheng” 鄭芝龍 - Formosa Files Season Four Finale
Feb 13, 2025
Dive into the remarkable life of Zheng Zhilong, the father of Koxinga, and his pivotal role in 17th-century Taiwan. Explore his epic victory at the Battle of Liaoluo Bay and the intertwining tales of maritime piracy and European expansion. Discover the thrilling naval encounters with Dutch forces and the strategic brilliance that defined his legacy. With a blend of humor and history, this engaging discussion reveals the complexities of trade, warfare, and shifting alliances during a turbulent time in the South China Sea.
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Zheng Zhilong's Early Life
- Zheng Zhilong, born in 1604, became a formidable pirate in Macau.
- He collaborated with the Dutch East India Company, disrupting Chinese shipping.
Dutch-Zheng Alliance
- Zheng Zhilong and the Dutch East India Company disrupted Ming Dynasty shipping.
- Their deal: The Dutch paid Zheng, and he caused trouble, forcing a trade deal.
Zheng Zhilong's Pirate Navy
- By 1624, Zheng Zhilong commanded a diverse pirate navy with European weapons.
- In 1628, he defeated the Ming Dynasty navy.