The battle is significant in the technological history of the Song navy. The 20th-century historian Joseph Needham has called the era "one of continual innovation" when the size of the Song fleet grew "from a total of 11 squadrons and 3,000 men [the Song navy] rose in one century to 20 squadrons totalling 52,000 men, with its main base near Shanghai." They were further reinforced by the aid of seafaring Chinese merchants.
The battle is crucial in the technological history of the Song navy. Historian Joseph Needham described this period as "a time of continuous advancement" where the size of the Song fleet expanded significantly—from 11 squadrons and 3,000 men to 20 squadrons with 52,000 men—by century's end, centered near Shanghai. The fleet was further supported by Chinese merchant sailors.