Zheng Yi

Definition

Zheng Yi (also Cheng I, Ching Yih, Cheng Yao-I, Cheng Wen-Hsien, or Cheng Yud) was a Chinese pirate who lived from 1765 to 1807. Operating in the South China Sea, Zheng Yi famously led a 600-ship pirate confederation. This force of more than 40,000 men was divided into six fleets and it terrorized merchant ships of all nationalities travelling between Hong Kong and Malaysia.

More about: Zheng Yi

Timeline

  • 1765 - 1807
    Life of the Chinese pirate Zheng Yi (aka Cheng I).
  • 1801
    The Chinese pirate Zheng Yi marries a former Cantonese prostitute, Zheng Yi Sao (aka Ching Shih).
  • 1805
    Zheng Yi (aka Cheng I) becomes the head of a large confederation of Chinese pirates.
  • Sep 1805
    The Chinese authorities attack the pirate base of Zheng Yi at Kuang-chou Bay (near modern Guangzhou, China).
  • Nov 1807
    Death of the Chinese pirate Zheng Yi (aka Cheng I) either in a typhoon or in action.
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