A Study Of Xue Fu-cheng's National Defense Science And Technology Thoughts

Xue Fu-cheng is a famous political commentator, diplomatic, and thinker in the late Qing Dynasty, whose achievement and thoughts have left indelible print in Chinese modern history, especially in modern history of thought. Xue's thoughts on national defense science and technology appeared to be less mature and systematic than his thoughts on diplomatic, economical and political. However, it is just a very important content in Xue Fu-cheng's thoughts. Further discussion and research on national defense science and technology of Xue's thoughts, it has important significance not only for enriching Xue's figures studies but also for deeply understanding the historical track of Chinese social modernization and military modernization reform. This thesis employs historical methods, and discusses Xue Fu-cheng's thoughts on national defense science and technology in three separate parts: the first part analyzes why these thoughts came into being, taken three aspects into consideration, including historical background, geographical environment and his personal experiences; the second part sums up his thoughts on national defense science and technology, which can be subdivided into four sections: Xue's strategy of national defense science and technology in which he put coast defense to priority; bringing in weapons, science and technology from western countries; developing independent modern national defense industry; fostering new military personnel based on technology education. On the foundation of the two parts above, the third part concludes with the characteristics of Xue's thoughts on national defense science and technology, points out its historic value and limitations, and makes objective and justice comments.