This October, the Naval Academy celebrated its 50th anniversary. Guests included past graduates and even veterans who served in the navy before the school was founded. This anniversary is a time to look back at the 100-plus years of modern naval development in China.

In the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-95, China's entire northern fleet was wiped out. Even after 30 years of navy-building, the Qing fleet could not stand up to just a single blow. In the end, the Qing dynasty collapsed largely because of a lack of sea power.

In the warlord period, naval development was fragmentary. After the Northern Expedition centralized power, the Republican government tried to unify the navy, and established a Department of the Navy. But, in the face of foreign invasion and civil war, its accomplishments were limited. Still, the navy created a legacy of tales of courage and tragedy during the war against Japan. After the war, with US and UK aid, the ROC began to build up its navy. During the civil war, when the Communists had no navy, the government's navy was used to support land forces, which it did effectively.

Even from the period of the military defeat in China, there are still stories of heroism, such as Chen Ching-kun leading the Yung Chia and 12 other ships in a breakout from the Yangtze River in April of 1949. In the 1950s, there were repeated battles at sea, in most of which the ROC navy held the upper hand. This discouraged the PRC from attempting to invade Taiwan. In three naval engagements in 1965, both sides had successes and losses.

Though there has been no fighting since then, the confrontation continues. The officers trained by the Naval Academy continue to maintain Taiwan's security today.

p.24

The reorganized Naval Academy dates back to the surrender of the puppet government of Wang Ching-wei in Shanghai in 1946. But even before then, training had begun to develop naval officers. The photo was taken at the Fuchow Naval Academy in 1930. Based on the British system, this academy accepted middle-school students and trained them for eight years. Wei Chi-min (front row, fourth from left), later became the first full-time commandant of the reorganized Naval Academy. (courtesy of the Naval Academy)

The painstakingly acquired Qing northern fleet was wiped out in the 1894-95 Sino-Japanese War. After the war, the Qing rebuilt the fleet, including purchasing ships from Germany. During the Northern Expedition, this ship joined the Nationalist forces. (courtesy of the Naval Academy)

p.25

Four outstanding Naval Academy graduates: (from left) Wu Shih-wen, current commander-in-chief of the ROC Navy; Sung Chang-chih, strategy advisor to the president; Li Yu-hsi; and Admiral Liu Ho-chien.

p.26

In 1955, after Yichiangshan Island near mainland China fell to the PRC, the Tachen Islands came within range of PRC artillery. It was decided to evacuate Tachen, with dependents leaving first. At that time, navy transport and supply ships played a vital role. (from Chinese History in Photographs, published by Echo magazine)

During the battle for Kinmen on September 2, 1958, the ROC ship Tuo Chiang fought ferociously, sinking or damaging more than 10 PRC ships of various sizes. It was awarded the navy's first unit citation, leaving a glorious legacy. (courtesy of the Naval Academy)

p.27

Before graduating, Naval Academy cadets must spend ten weeks at sea. One of the goals is to build camaraderie. This map shows the route of the 1947 excursion, which sailed to the South China Sea. (courtesy of the Naval Academy)

p.28

Ceremonies to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the reorganized Naval Academy opened amidst music.

The military academies began accepting women four years ago; this year saw the first women officers graduate.

There's nothing like a man in uniform! There were many touching scenes at the 50th anniversary celebrations.

p.29

"When you dock the ship, you must not only do so safely, but also smoothly," says Captain Liu of the Tzu Yi. This is training for fourth-year Naval Academy cadets.

This is the Tsoying naval district. Many movies have been set here.

The painstakingly acquired Qing northern fleet was wiped out in the 1894-95 SinoJapanese War. After the war, the Qing rebuilt the fleet, including purchasing ships from Germany. During the Northern Expedition, this ship joined the Nationalist forces. （courtesy of the Naval Academy）

Four outstanding Naval Academy graduates: （from left） Wu Shih-wen, current commander-inchief of the ROC Navy; Sung Chang-chih, strategy advisor to the president; Li Yu-hsi; and Admiral Liu Ho-chien.

In 1955, after Yichiangshan Island near mainland China fell to the PRC, the Tachen Islands came within range of PRC artillery. It was decided to evacuate Tachen, with dependents leaving first. At that time, navy transport and supply ships played a vital role. （from Chinese History in Photographs, published by Echo magazine）

During the battle for Kinmen on September 2, 1958, the ROC ship Tuo Chiang fought ferociously, sinking or damaging more than 10 PRC ships of various sizes. It was awarded the navy's first unit citation, leaving a glorious legacy. （courtesy of the Naval Academy）

Before graduating, Naval Academy cadets must spend ten weeks at sea. One of the goals is to build camaraderie. This map shows the route of the 1947 excursion, which sailed to the South China Sea. （courtesy of the Naval Academy）

Ceremonies to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the reorganized Naval Academy opened amidst music.

The military academies began accepting women four years ago; this year saw the first women officers graduate.

There's nothing like a man in uniform! There were many touching scenes at the 50th anniversary celebrations.

"When you dock the ship, you must not only do so safely, but also smoothly," says Captain Liu of the Tzu Yi. This is training for fourth year Naval Academy cadets.

This is the Tsoying naval district. Many movies have been set here.