However, by the middle of the 1890s the waning Qing Dynasty lost its desire to keep ahead in the naval race, in contrast to the strengthening Japanese navy.

In 1894, Japan's navy made a sneak attack on Chinese warships and troop carriers. In the Yellow Sea Battle of September 1894, the Dingyuan led the Beiyang Fleet in driving the Japanese out. But on February 5, 1895, the Dingyuan was seriously damaged after being hit by a Japanese torpedo and later cannon fire. With surrender not an option, Captain Liu Buchan ordered the ship scuttled. And so ended the brilliant and tragic life of the battleship.

Other warships of the Beiyang Fleet-Zhiyuan(Chin Yuen), Jingyuan(Ching Yuen).

Other warships of the Beiyang Fleet-Jingyuan(King Yuen), Laiyuan(Lai Yuen).

(Text: dzwww.com Photo Source: baidu.com)

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