Sea Control Sea Control 583: Shaping the Blue Dragon with Ronald Po
Jul 23, 2025
Dr. Ronald C. Po, a Chinese maritime historian and author of "Shaping the Blue Dragon," explores China's rich maritime history, challenging the land-centric narrative. He discusses the complexities of China's maritime strategies from the Ming to the Qing dynasties. Po sheds light on the Qing Dynasty's governance of Taiwan and the implications of Wokou piracy. Additionally, he addresses the cultural significance of shark fin soup in China, highlighting the tensions between tradition and conservation.
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China's Maritime History Revealed
- China was traditionally seen as a land-based power ignoring maritime history.
- However, Ming and Qing dynasties actively managed and integrated maritime affairs into their governance.
Qing's Maritime Policy Evolution
- Qing inherited maritime policies from Ming but adapted due to economic growth and complexity.
- Qing incorporated offshore islands and improved maritime governance, showing evolving engagement.
Canton System: Control and Negotiation
- The Canton system controlled foreign trade via Canton with strict rules.
- It was a negotiated arrangement that worked well with European traders initially, not a mere isolation.
