Ching Shih
While most modern interpretations of pirates have been illustrations of white, European outlaws, these pirates paled in comparison to Ching Shih, a woman who very well might be the most successful pirate in history. Ching Shih was born in 1775 in the Guangdong province of China and became a prostitute. in 1801, Ching Shih met Zheng Yi, who commanded the Red Flag Fleet. The two were married and together ran the Red Flag Fleet.
For six years, the two ran the Red Flag Fleet and in that time the fleet "quickly grew from 200 ships to more than 600 ships, and eventually to 1700-1800 ships," (Reese). in 1807, six years after Ching Shih and Zheng Yi married, Zheng Yi died in battle. Ching Shih had the choice to make. She could step down from the Red Flag Fleet and allow Zheng Yi's second in command to take over the fleet or she could continue to lead. Ching Shih choose to take control of the Red Flag Fleet, craving the power and glory that came with that leadership, (Reese).
During her reign as leader of the Red Flag Fleet, Ching Shih had a strict set of rules, specifically about the treatment of female prisoners. Ching Shih would have her men release "ugly women" completely unharmed. She would allow her men to marry beautiful women they held captive but she required they must be faithful. the punishment for unfaithfulness was beheading. Rape was also a capital offense that was punished through execution.
Ching Shih was one of the few pirates who instead of being killed in battle, managed to retire from the pirate life after being offered a universal pirate amnesty in exchange for peace by the Chinese government, (Koerth). Ching Shih took the deal and retired. She died in 1844 at age 69.
Ching Shih deserves more recognition. White, European male pirates dominate the media representation of pirates yet they were barely a footnote in the world's history. Ching Shih was likely the most successful pirate in history. She held strong beliefs about the treatment of women that were way ahead of her time. She provides a new illustration for pirates.
Works Cited
Koerth, Maggie. “Most Successful Pirate Was Beautiful and Tough.” CNN, Cable News Network, 28 Aug. 2007,
Reese. M. R “Ching Shih – from Prostitute to Pirate Lord.” Ancient Origins, Ancient Origins, 18 Jan. 2015,
Reese. M. R “Ching Shih – from Prostitute to Pirate Lord.” Ancient Origins, Ancient Origins, 18 Jan. 2015,
This story is pretty rad. A Chinese pirate warrior woman??! That used to be a prostitute? Sounds like an interesting woman in history. It is amazing to see some of the women that became outlaws of their time because of the prejudices and inequality. I can only imagine the lack of voice many of the women in China had during this day, especially after reading Maxine Hong Kingston's novel. Really amazing to see some of these women were persistent and rose above it.
ReplyDeleteI really like this article. Pirates traditionally have a very masculine association, as does sailing in general, even having its own mythologies related to the presence of women on a ship - let alone in command. Her rise to power is exactly the kind of meteoric journey that captures the imagination, from a position accounted very little social status to one that - though an outside position cemented by violence and fear - is undeniably a form of throne.
ReplyDeleteHer ambition and will to power are evident, and clearly implied is how terrifying she must have been to successfully rule a fleet of pirates, imposing sanctions that broke with their traditional approach to warfare and raid, without further contest. I wonder what other pirates within or without her fleet thought about her.
I read about Ching Shih when I was younger, and I'd never particularly been a pirate kid until that moment. I love to see her being recognized. The fact she protected the women prisoners while keeping command of her men, offering them as reward but keeping them from harm, is an interesting and complex dynamic. It is always incredible to hear a happy ending for a woman warrior, and hers in particular makes me ecstatic, as it was so improbable.
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