Battle of Fuzhou

The Battle of Fuzhou was a decisive naval clash between Admiral Courbet's French squadron and the Chinese Fujian fleet. It took place in the Min estuary, before the port of Fuzhou. In less than an hour, the French fleet destroyed nearly all Chinese ships and naval installations, demonstrating French naval tactical and technical superiority.

After the Tientsin Convention, clashes occurred at Lang Son, reigniting tensions. China refused to apply certain terms of the agreement. The French government authorized Courbet to attack Chinese naval bases. Fuzhou, a major base of the Fujian fleet, became the target of this lightning operation inaugurating open war between the two powers.

Courbet positioned his squadron in line in the estuary on 22 August under the pretext of negotiation. At 2:00 p.m. on 23 August, on direct orders, French ships opened fire simultaneously on Chinese vessels and shore batteries. French cruisers used rapid-fire artillery and torpedoes to methodically destroy enemy ships. The Chinese fleet was trapped, poorly coordinated, and unable to respond effectively.

This crushing victory marked the beginning of large-scale naval hostilities in the Franco-Chinese War. It shocked Chinese public opinion, permanently weakened the imperial navy, and gave France a clear advantage at sea. Admiral Courbet gained international renown. The battle heralded a series of naval operations against Chinese and Taiwanese ports.