Self-strengthening Movement
In 1875, Li Hongzhang recruited Ding to be a commander of the Beiyang Fleet, the most modern of China’s regional navies. In 1880, he travelled to Great Britain to accept delivery of the cruiser Chaoyun, and to familiarize himself with European shipbuilding techniques at shipyards in Germany and France. Ding was a supporter of the Self-Strengthening Movement in China, and urged Li Hongzhang to create shipyards in China able to build modern armored cruisers, rather than relying on foreign imports. Ting took an active role in the creation of the naval bases at Weihaiwei and Lushunkou.
In 1882, Ding was an observer during the negotiations resulting in the normalization of trade between Korea and the United States. He later helped suppress the Imo rebellion, with his marines arresting Heungseon Daewongun of the father of King Gojong, after arriving at Incheon with a fleet of seven ships.
During the Franco-Chinese War of 1884, Ding was awarded the Yellow Riding Jacket by the Qing Emperor, traditionally the highest military awards in the Qing Empire.
Read more about this topic: Ding Ruchang
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