Sergei Shoigu vs Zheng Zhilong

Shoigu was appointed head of the Russian Rescue Corps, which became the Ministry of Emergency Situations. He built the agency into a professional disaster response force.

Shoigu served briefly as Governor of Moscow Oblast. He focused on infrastructure and development, but his tenure was cut short when he was appointed Defense Minister.

Shoigu was appointed Minister of Defence of Russia by President Putin. He oversaw major military reforms, modernization, and the intervention in Syria.

Shoigu oversaw the Russian military operation that led to the annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. He was sanctioned by the EU and US for his role.

Shoigu commanded the Russian military during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The campaign faced significant setbacks, including failed advances and heavy losses.

Zheng Zhilong rose to become a prominent pirate leader controlling trade routes in the South China Sea. He commanded a large fleet and established a power base in Fujian, engaging in both piracy and maritime commerce.

Zheng Zhilong accepted an amnesty from the Ming government and became a naval commander. He used his fleet to suppress other pirates and defend the coast, gaining official rank and wealth.

Zheng Zhilong commanded the Ming fleet that defeated a Dutch East India Company squadron at Liaoluo Bay near Fujian. The victory secured Ming control over coastal waters and forced the Dutch to pay tribute.

After the fall of Beijing, Zheng Zhilong chose to surrender to the Qing rather than continue resistance. He was given a rank in the Qing military, but his son Koxinga refused to surrender and continued fighting.

Zheng Zhilong was executed by the Qing authorities in Beijing. His execution was ordered after his son Koxinga intensified his rebellion and besieged Dutch Taiwan, making Zhilong a liability.