Who were Zhu Yuanzhang’s main rivals for control of China?

To consolidate power and establish the Ming dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang had to overcome several regional rebel leaders who had capitalized on the decline of the Yuan dynasty to carve out their own states.12

His primary rivals for control of China included:

• Chen Youliang: The self-proclaimed emperor of the Han dynasty, who controlled much of central China from his base in Wuchang. He was arguably Zhu’s most significant rival until his death in a decisive naval battle at Lake Poyang in 1363.2
• Zhang Shicheng: A former boatman who declared himself prince of the Zhou dynasty and operated in the rich Yangtze delta region. He was eventually captured by Zhu’s forces in 1367.12
• Han Lin’er: A leader of a secret society who served as the figurehead for the Song dynasty pretender. Although Zhu initially acknowledged him as a superior, Han died in 1367 while under the protection of Zhu's men.12
• Fang Guozhen: A former salt trader and pirate who maintained an autonomous coastal satrapy in Zhejiang before eventually surrendering to Zhu.12

Additionally, Zhu faced opposition from Yuan loyalists who held northern territories until they were driven out by Ming military campaigns.32