Huai-system Figures’ Proposal And Practice Of Coastal Defence Before And After The First Coastal Defense Discussion

In May 1874,when Japan sent troops to Taiwan,the Qing government could only make compromises due to insufficient preparations for coastal defense.Stimulated by this incident,the Prime Minister Yamen invited to discuss the preparation of coastal defense in November 1874.The Qing government started the first major coastal defense discussion after the Opium War.During the discussion,due to limited funds and influenced by traditional defense concepts,the officials involved in the discussion had disputes on whether the focus of defense should be on land or at sea.Japan’s invasion of Taiwan caused shocks throughout the country,and huai-system figures suggested raising vigilance against Japan.He also took the precautionary measure,advocated precautions,and protected the safety of coast,and expressed the view that the preparation of coastal defense is urgent.On the issue of how to organize coastal defense,Li Hongzhang led the members of the Huai Group led by him who were familiar with military affairs and knew about Westernization to discuss.Huai-system figures made more comprehensive suggestions from the aspects of purchasing ship-made systems,building forts,and storing talents.It embodies their thinking about how to fight against insults in modern China,provides a blueprint for the establishment of a new coastal defense system,and has a greater impact on Li Hongzhang’s coastal defense claims.After the first great coastal defense discussion,the Qing government formulated a policy of equal emphasis on coastal defense and plug defense,and will raise coastal defense to a strategic level.Li Hongzhang is responsible for supervising Beiyang Coastal Defense,and Shen Baozhen is responsible for supervising Nanyang Coastal Defense.In the process of building the Beiyang Coastal Defence,huai-system figures,with the instruction of Li Hongzhang,mined coal and iron,built forts,purchased iron armored ships,imitated firearms,supervised the students of the Fuzhou Shipping Bureau to study abroad,and sent foreign countries.Their practical activities have positive significance,strengthened the Qing government’s strength in coastal defense,played a certain role in the war against foreign aggression,and started the process of modernization of the late Qing Dynasty’s coastal defense.