Who was the chief culprit in the downfall of Beiyang Navy, Li Hongzhang and Weng Tonghe?
It was he, Weng Tonghe, who really led to the downfall of Beiyang Navy. Beiyang Navy hasn't added a fleet since 1886. The most infuriating thing is that during the war, Weng Tonghe attacked the general of Beiyang Navy. In order to prevent Li Hongzhang from having too much power, Weng Tonghe wrote to Cixi, hoping to weaken his power. To this end, among the Beiyang Navy, many generals were transferred, and some newcomers became fleet commanders.