The Shipbuilding and navigation in China from the early modern period to the modern era

Abstract

The development of Chinese ships in early modern times went through numerous changes and challenges. At the beginning of the Ming Dynasty, although the number and size of ships increased, the navy adopted a defensive stance due to a broader defensive foreign policy. Understanding the historical development of ships is crucial to understanding Chinese history. This paper examines the evolution of Chinese ships from early modern times to the present in a chronological framework. It focuses on how China navigated from decline to revival through the lens of maritime development. The narrative spans from the prosperity of the Ming Dynasty to the decline of the Qing Dynasty, and from the chaos of the Republic of China to the emergence of modern China as a global power. This paper emphasizes that ships symbolize these societal shifts, reflecting China's transformation from a weak global power to a formidable one within just a few decades.