Xu Hai

Xu Hai was a former Buddhist monk who became a leading commander among the wokou pirates raiding China’s southeastern coast during the mid-Ming dynasty, operating from bases in Japan’s Satsuma Province with a coalition force reportedly numbering in the thousands. He achieved notable tactical victories against Ming forces, including at the Battle of Sanli Bridge. He was defeated and killed during a major Ming counteroffensive led by Hu Zongxian in 1556.