Who is Wu Fang Choi from Tai-Pan and what is their importance?

Wu Fang Choi is a well known and feared sadistic pirate, based in Formosa. He is also a partner of Jin-qua. He puts up one third of the money that was loaned to Dirk by Jin-qua. He holds one of the half coins that Dirk received from Jin-qua, which means that Dirk must honor his request. Wu Fang Choi wants nineteen men trained as officers for one year on the ships of The Noble House. He also wants a clipper like the China Cloud to be built for him and wants three children to receive the best English education.