The First Sino-Japanese War (1894–1895) was a significant event in the history of East Asia, bringing about an end to the Pax Sinica which had lasted for over 200 years. The war pitted the combined forces of the Japanese Empire against those of the Qing Dynasty of China. After a string of Japanese victories and a decisive victory in the Battle of Weihaiwei in 1895, the Qing Dynasty was forced to accept Japanese terms and sign the Treaty of Shimonoseki.
The war saw a number of major naval battles between the two sides. These included the Battle of Pungdo, the Battle of the Yalu River, the Battle of the Yellow Sea, and the Battle of Weihaiwei. This article will provide a brief overview of these naval engagements.
Battle of Pungdo:
The Battle of Pungdo (also known as the Battle of the Yellow Sea) was a naval engagement fought between the Japanese and Chinese navies in mid-July 1894. It was the first major naval battle of the First Sino-Japanese War. In this battle, the Japanese fleet under Admiral Tōgō Heihachirō defeated the Chinese fleet of Admiral Ding Ruchang near the port of Pungdo, off the east coast of Korea. The Japanese, with a superior force and better training, managed to inflict heavy damage on the Chinese fleet, sinking or capturing six ships and forcing the remainder to flee. All Chinese ships were either captured or destroyed, while only one Japanese vessel suffered minor damage.
Battle of the Yalu River:
The Battle of the Yalu River (also known as the Battle of the Yalu or the Battle of the Laotie River) was a naval engagement fought in September 1894, between forces of the Japanese Empire and the Qing Dynasty. The Japanese fleet of Vice Admiral Katsu Kaishu defeated the Chinese fleet of Admiral Ding Ruchang in a short, but fierce, battle in the Yalu River. The Japanese, who enjoyed a superiority in armament and tactics, sank three Chinese vessels and significantly damaged several more, despite suffering minimal losses themselves. The Chinese were eventually forced to retreat, bringing an end to the battle.
Battle of the Yellow Sea:
The Battle of the Yellow Sea (also known as the Battle of the Pescadores) was a major naval engagement fought in August 1894, between forces of the Japanese Empire and the Qing Dynasty. In this battle, a Japanese fleet of Admiral Tōgō Heihachirō decisively defeated the Chinese fleet of Admiral Li Hongzhang in the Yellow Sea. The Japanese, again enjoying superiority in both armament and tactics, easily destroyed or damaged numerous Chinese ships and inflicted heavy losses on the Chinese navy. After a few hours of fighting, the Chinese forces had been completely routed, leaving the Japanese as the clear victors.
Battle of Weihaiwei:
The Battle of Weihaiwei was a naval engagement fought in February 1895, at Weihaiwei in Shandong Province. In this battle, the entire Chinese Beiyang Fleet under Admiral Ding Ruchang was destroyed by the smaller, but better-equipped, Japanese navy. The Japanese managed to sink or capture all Chinese ships, inflicting devastating losses on their enemies. In the aftermath of the battle, the Qing Dynasty was forced to accept Japanese terms and sign the Treaty of Shimonoseki, ending the conflict.