Cheung Po Tsai was a prominent figure in the maritime history of the South China Sea, transitioning from a notorious pirate leader to a high-ranking official in the Qing dynasty navy. Originally a fisherman's son, he was captured and adopted by the pirate Zheng Yi and his wife, Zheng Yi Sao, eventually becoming a key commander in their fleet.
His career was marked by intense conflicts with both the Chinese imperial government and the Portuguese Navy. Following his surrender to the authorities, he served as a colonel, utilizing his extensive knowledge of coastal waters to combat other pirate groups. His life remains a significant subject in local folklore and historical accounts of the region.