The Transformation of Koxinga's Identity Across Historical Periods: A Literature Review Based on Historical Analysis and Secondary Sources

Zheng Chenggong, more widely known as "Koxinga," is a pivotal figure in East Asian history, renowned for his resistance against the Qing dynasty and for successfully expelling the Dutch East India Company (Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie, VOC) from Taiwan between 1661 and 1662. Scholars from both Eastern and Western traditions have interpreted Koxinga through a range of perspectives, portraying him variously as a pirate king, maritime merchant, loyalist of the Ming dynasty, faithful servant, conqueror, heretic, national hero, anti-Qing leader, son of Japan, and the "Sacred King Who Opened Taiwan." These competing representations highlight how interpretations of Koxinga’s identity have been shaped by the interplay between historical narratives and political power. This study employs historical analysis and secondary literature to examine the evolution of Koxinga’s identity across different historical contexts. It not only offers a more comprehensive understanding of his historical actions but also provides deeper insights into the complex values embedded in his legacy—such as loyalty, resistance, anti-colonialism, expansion, maritime trade, sea power, and cultural identity.