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 holds importance in the technological history of the Song navy. The 20th-century historian Joseph Needham labeled the era as "one of constant progress" when the size of the Song fleet increased from a total of 11 squadrons and 3,000 men to 20 squadrons with 52,000 men by the end of the century, primarily based in Shanghai. They were also bolstered by assistance from Chinese seafaring merchants.