Jin-qua is a wealthy Chinese merchant. His real name is Chen-tse Jin Arn and he received his nickname of Jin-qua from Dirk Struan, the Tai-Pan. He is the uncle of the step-father of Gordon Chen. Dirk turns to Jin-qua when he is bankrupt. Jin-qua has the equivalent of one million pounds to loan Dirk. The money is from Ti-sen and contingent on Dirk's acceptance of a mandarin in Hong Kong and other conditions, including money for Gordon Chen. Jin-qua is also the leader of the Triads in South China.