China's response to the Pirares Uder the Ming-Quing Dynasties

Abstract

This article focuses on the research period of the Ming-Qing dynasties, which marked the final era of monarchy in Chinese history. During this time, China faced unique historical circumstances with unprecedented challenges to its strength, national security, and maritime security, particularly with the emergence of Western colonialism. The article not only examines China's policies in addressing piracy from a national perspective but also considers the regional dimension by exploring the initial coordination between China and neighboring countries such as Japan and Vietnam in the collective effort to eradicate piracy and ensure security in the East Sea. By analyzing the advantages and achievements gained from the Ming and Qing dynasties' policies in combating pirates, the article also highlights notable limitations in China's response to this issue during that period. The article emphasizes that a lack of introspection, insufficient emphasis on coastal defense, and the failure to prioritize the maritime domain within the national defense strategy were the primary factors contributing to the limitations of China's policies in addressing piracy under the Ming and Qing dynasties. These limitations also played a crucial role in the country's defense strategy failure in the latter half of the nineteenth century.