Ancient Chinese naval history

Author: Zhang Tierniu / Gao Xiaoxing
Publisher: People's Liberation Army Press
Publication Date: 2006-01-01
Features: China is both a coastal nation and an ancient civilization. The ocean is closely linked to the unity, stability, and prosperity of the Chinese nation. As early as 2,500 years ago in the late Spring and Autumn period, with the development of shipbuilding and navigation technology and the need for warring states to compete for dominance, ancient Chinese naval forces emerged. In Chinese historical records, ancient Chinese naval forces were referred to as the "Fleet of Boats," "Naval Army," or "Naval Force." Over a long historical process, it went through four stages: formation, development, peak, and decline. Reviewing the history of ancient Chinese naval forces reveals that they emerged in the late stage of the slave society, continuously developed and expanded throughout the feudal society, becoming a well-equipped and formidable naval force that played a significant role in unifying China and resisting foreign maritime invasions. However, in history, ancient Chinese naval forces also served as a tool for feudal rulers to suppress the people domestically and expand their territories abroad. Regarding the reactionary rule that oppressed the people and the aggressive policies of "attacking the weak and ignorant" and "pursuing grandeur and ambition," we should adopt a negative stance, distinguishing them from policies aimed at unifying the motherland and resisting foreign aggression. This book presents the entire process of the formation, development, peak, and decline of ancient Chinese naval forces, as well as their successes and failures across different dynasties, using a wealth of historical facts. It aims to provide readers with useful reference materials and hopes to offer some benefits through reading.