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Shi Lang

Type Figure Region China Time 1621–1696 Also known as Shi Lang、Wenya

Shi Lang (1621–1696), naval commander of the late Ming and early Qing, from Jinjiang, Fujian.…

Timeline

  1. 1621–1650Jinjiang · FujianFrom Jinjiang, Fujian, born into a seafaring family. Followed Zheng Zhilong and Zheng Chenggong in their campaigns, skilled in naval warfare, rising to Left Commander-in-Chief and one of the core commanders of the Zheng navy. Relations with Zheng Chenggong soured over family and military-power disputes.
  2. 1651–1680Quanzhou · FujianIn 1651, after his family was executed by Zheng Chenggong, Shi Lang led his troops to defect to the Qing and was appointed Admiral of the Fujian Navy. He thereafter long pressed for a campaign against Taiwan, repeatedly requesting an amphibious expedition, but court debate delayed matters for years. In the meantime he helped pacify coastal rebellions in the southeast and became familiar with Fujian-Taiwan waters and sea lanes.
  3. 1681–1696Penghu · TaiwanIn the 21st year of Kangxi the Qing court resolved to attack Taiwan; Shi Lang, as Admiral of the Fujian Navy, led over 20,000 men. In July 1683 he decisively defeated the Zheng fleet at Penghu, forcing Zheng Keshuang to send envoys to surrender; Taiwan Prefecture was established and the Ming-Zheng regime ended. Shi Lang was created Marquis of Pacifying the Sea and later died in office of illness.

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