When Pirates Ruled Asia

Negotiations are taking place at the towering pagoda. The bustling trade scene at China's open port in Guangzhou is on display. Madame Zhang, renowned as Asia's greatest pirate, is in a standoff with representatives from the Qing Empire, Portuguese naval officers, and officials from the English East India Company. Piracy has a long history in East Asia, with coastal areas being perfect for activities such as robbery, smuggling, and kidnapping. The impact of East Asian piracy on society and politics has been significant, ranging from small raids to the establishment of vast pirate empires. For 400 years, Japanese pirates known as Wako played a crucial role in shaping Asian history. The Wako attacks were a result of external factors like Mongol invasions, plagues, typhoons, and droughts. In response, the Japanese government swiftly executed 90 perpetrators, restoring peace to the seas. The Mongol Emperor's plan to conquer Japan was fueled by widespread famine and rampant piracy, leading to extreme measures being taken. After failed attempts to make Japan a vassal, the Mongol Emperor decided to take action.

In ancient China, a powerful minister and his family faced a downfall. The minister had played a key role in the rise of the new Ming dynasty, but the emperor's growing paranoia and an assassination attempt by samurai pirates led to his demise. In 1517, rogue gangs posed a new threat to the Chinese coast as Japanese pirates plundered the area, prompting the emperor to issue a warning to Japan regarding the consequences of continued piracy. The Joseon dynasty of Korea played a significant role in unifying Japan, which in turn led to increased trade with China and the punishment of bandits. During the late 1500s in Japan, the Seto Inland Sea was dominated by pirates. Military figure Yasuke closely observed the well-equipped pirate ships and their weaponry. The era of warring states resulted in ongoing conflicts and the emergence of pirate clans such as Murakami. These pirates controlled fortified islands and were involved in trade disputes. They offered safe passage for a fee and constructed the world's first iron-clad ships. Engaging in power struggles with land-based rulers, the pirates showcased their ruthlessness throughout Asia. The mysterious figure Yasuke attracted attention in Japan, demonstrating his preparedness with a dagger to convey seriousness. Japanese society faced various threats, including encounters with southern barbarians. The Spanish navy launched attacks on pirate colonies in the Philippines to secure control over trade routes. They defeated the main pirate fleet at sea and targeted pirate strongholds for eradication. The pirates had thrived in the Philippines due to a stable base and access to silver mines, posing a challenge to Spanish authority.

The government of Toyotomi Hideyoshi took action against piracy in Japan by issuing edicts against harboring pirates and enlisting former bandits in the navy. A licensing system was implemented for seafarers engaged in trade within Japan. English sailors came across Japanese merchants in distress and rescued their vessel, providing refuge on a small island. Despite cultural disparities, the English and Japanese shared meals and jokes, fostering a bond between them. The introduction of opium had a profound impact on world history, as it became a valuable commodity for England, replacing silver and weapons. The spread of the Japanese diaspora across Eastern Asia and their settlement in various countries was influenced by the control exerted by the Tokugawa family in Japan. Japanese merchants and pirates blurred the lines between legitimate trade and piracy, with the diaspora experiencing violence from the civil unrest in Japan and seamlessly transitioning between roles as merchants and pirates. They served under local authorities, participated in numerous conflicts, and occasionally worked as mercenaries with varying results.

Japan's isolation and the emergence of pirate states. In 1635, Japan banned travel beyond its borders under the penalty of death. In 1647, Tagawa Matsu, a pirate queen, confronted an invasion after being betrayed by her husband. Tagawa's dramatic suicide at the Great Fortifications, using a Japanese sword. The Manchus, who witnessed the event, were shocked by Tagawa's act of self-destruction. The Dutch suffered a blow from ships loaded with explosives. Geelong's dominance over the seas expanded into a vast maritime empire. Kochinga, a Japanese aristocrat, fought against the Qing dynasty. Kochinga's resistance against the Manchu and the establishment of a new domain. For 15 years, Kochinga battled the Manchu following his father's betrayal and his mother's suicide. Following a year-long siege against the Dutch in Taiwan, Kochinga founded the Kingdom of Tongning. The Qing blockade resulted in widespread displacement and casualties, ultimately outlasting Kochinga. Jung Shi - the most notorious and accomplished female pirate in history. Jung Shi played a pivotal role in illicit trade before its decline, becoming the most notorious and successful female pirate in history. By the late 18th century, she commanded a significant pirate fleet, consisting of 400 ships at its peak, with 70,000 armed men, engaging in activities such as protection, looting, and human trafficking. The regulation of salt granted China an unprecedented level of economic influence.

Zhang Yi and Lady Zhang, leaders of piracy, took Zhang Bao under their wing as their adopted son and successor. Lady Jung implemented strict regulations to uphold order and penalize any misconduct. Known as Madame Jung - the Pirate Queen of the South China Seas, she led a remarkable life as a pirate, navigating dealings with multiple governments and securing rewards for herself and her crew. Madame Jung spent her final years in Macau, focusing on her family and participating in gambling activities. Her passing in 1844 left behind a legacy of unparalleled piracy. While pirates once roamed freely, today's seas are under the control of major naval forces. Although gunboat diplomacy may bear similarities to piracy in retrospect, pirates no longer wield international authority. The seas that were once dominated by pirates are now monitored and governed by six of the world's most formidable navies.