On 22 October 1633, the Battle of Liaoluo Bay occurred, marking a pivotal naval confrontation in the conflict between the Ming Dynasty and the Dutch East India Company (VOC) off the coast of Fujian, China. This battle was part of the larger Ming-Dutch conflicts, with the Dutch seeking control over trade routes and dominance in the lucrative Chinese market.
Led by admiral Zheng Zhilong, the Ming forces deployed a fleet that outnumbered the Dutch, strategically using fire ships—vessels loaded with explosives and set ablaze to drift into enemy ships. This tactic successfully disrupted the Dutch formation and inflicted significant damage. The Ming victory at Liaoluo Bay was crucial, reaffirming Chinese sovereignty over its coastal waters and maintaining the regional balance of power. The defeat discouraged further Dutch incursions along China’s coast, securing Ming control over their trade interests and solidifying Zheng Zhilong’s status as a leading military commander of the period.
