In 1905, Japan wiped out a Russian fleet — the first Asian defeat of a European navy

At the Battle of Tsushima in May 1905, Admiral Tōgō's Japanese fleet annihilated Russia's Baltic Fleet after it sailed halfway around the world to reach the Pacific. Only 10 of 45 Russian warships escaped; Japan lost 3 torpedo boats. It was the first time in the modern era an Asian power had decisively defeated a European one in a fleet battle, and it forced Russia to the negotiating table.

— Admiral Tōgō Heihachirō, Imperial Japanese Navy, Battle of Tsushima — 27–28 May 1905