Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 25:58-26:23

Chinese replacement orders would probably follow Japan toward British yards

If older Chinese cruiser plans became obsolete without the First World War, Britain would be a likely source for replacement ships.

British ShipbuildingImperial Japanese NavyNaval ProcurementRepublic Of China NavyWarship Imports
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Question

What might the Republic of China order if its earlier armored- and protected-cruiser plans became obsolete?

Short answer

Probably a new foreign design, with Britain the most likely supplier because Japanese purchasing had made British yards an influential regional benchmark.

Notes

The Republic of China would probably seek a different design once its earlier armored- and protected-cruiser plans no longer met its needs. Germany might remain an option, but Britain was the likelier supplier. Chinese buyers could treat Japan's procurement choices as evidence of where the best foreign warships were available. The answer therefore links fleet modernization to observed regional competition as well as to the technical merits of a single proposal.