The Beiyang Fleet sent its new ironclads to Japan as an informal deterrent and a demonstration of Chinese naval modernization. A large street fight between sailors and local residents turned the visit into a diplomatic embarrassment. The ships were encouraged to leave, while Japanese politicians hostile to China gained a grievance they could use publicly. The episode reversed the visit's intended deterrent effect.
Notable Point · 3:25:21-3:26:24
When a Dingyuan port visit strengthened Japanese hostility
A Chinese show-of-force visit intended to display modern naval power instead ended in a street brawl that helped Japanese politicians mobilize hostility.