The discussion moves from the Qing government's programme to the Republic of China's attempt to build both a unified state and a navy. That effort collapsed amid wider revolution and struggles for political control. Fei Hong's sale to Greece was one concrete consequence, reducing the cruiser group intended to support future Chinese naval development. Regime change and weak state capacity could unravel procurement even after ships had been ordered. This institutional breakdown leads directly into the later counterfactual of a stronger Chinese fleet.
Chapter · 8:34-9:20
Regime change breaks China's fleet programme
The transition from Qing rule to the Republic of China disrupted the fleet programme, and Fei Hong was eventually sold to Greece.