The History and Significance of Signal Flags
Signal flags, as an essential means of maritime communication, originated in the late 18th century during the age of sailing ships. At that time, long-distance voyages faced significant challenges in communication due to language barriers and vast ocean distances.
The British Navy pioneered the use of flags to transmit messages; in the 1790s, naval officer Home Popham devised a signaling system where flags of various colors and patterns represented letters and phrases.
This signaling system gained great prominence during the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, when Admiral Nelson famously used signal flags to send the command: “England expects that every man will do his duty.” From then on, signal flags were gradually adopted by navies and merchant fleets worldwide.
展开剩余90%In the early 19th century, British naval officer Frederick Marryat further refined this system. In 1837, he introduced the International Code of Signals for merchant ships, standardizing flag meanings to correspond with letters and numbers for more efficient communication.
This code was later incorporated by the International Maritime Organization and evolved into today’s international signal flag system, consisting of 26 alphabet flags, 10 numeral flags, 3 substitute flags, and 6 special flags, totaling 46 flags.
Signal flags’ importance goes far beyond mere communication; they bridge language gaps, enabling vessels from different countries to “converse” across vast oceans. Before radio communication became widespread, signal flags were the only reliable method for long-distance communication. Even in modern times, when electronic systems might fail or suffer interference, signal flags remain a vital naval tool due to their simplicity, clarity, and resistance to disruption.
More importantly, signal flags embody maritime etiquette and international regulations, reflecting respect for the order of the seas. Regardless of a country’s size or whether the vessel is military or commercial, this signaling system, refined over centuries, is universally followed.
The “1” Signal Flag and Misconceptions About the Japanese Flag
The flag often mistaken for the Japanese national flag on Chinese warships is actually the international signal flag representing the number “1.” This flag features a white background with a pale red circle in the center arranged in a trapezoidal shape, distinctly different from the rectangular bright red circle design of the Japanese flag. However, at a distance or in low-resolution photos, the two can be confused.
The misunderstanding arises not only from visual similarity but also from the complex historical relationship between China and Japan. The Japanese national flag, known as the Nisshoki, was officially adopted during the Meiji Restoration in 1870 and symbolizes the “Land of the Rising Sun.” Due to Japan’s aggressive actions in China during the 20th century, this flag evokes strong emotions among many Chinese people. When it is confused with the signal flag “1,” controversy naturally follows.
According to the International Code of Signals, warships or merchant vessels must display the “RU1” flag combination during sea trials. Here, “R” is a red flag with a yellow cross, “U” is red and white, and “1” is a white flag with a red circle. Together, this combination means “I am conducting sea trials.”
Sea trials are crucial tests for a new ship before commissioning, evaluating propulsion, weapons, radar, and other systems, often involving irregular navigation patterns and frequent speed changes.
Without clear signaling, other ships might misinterpret the vessel’s intentions, potentially causing collisions or conflicts. Flying the “RU1” signal warns surrounding vessels that the ship is under test and requests that they maintain a safe distance to avoid misunderstandings.
Major navies such as the U.S. Navy’s Nimitz-class carriers, Russia’s Kuznetsov, and the UK’s Queen Elizabeth-class carriers also use the “RU1” flag during sea trials. Chinese vessels like the Liaoning, Shandong, Fujian carriers, and surface ships such as the Type 052D destroyers and Type 075 amphibious assault ships are no exception.
Under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, vessels are obligated to use visual signals to communicate their status for safe navigation.
The Spread of Misunderstandings and Efforts to Clarify
The spread of confusion around signal flags highlights the complexities of information dissemination in the digital age. In 2018, when photos of the Type 052D destroyer during trials sparked debate, some online media used sensational headlines like “Chinese warship flying Japanese flag — what are they trying to do?” These posts often lacked thorough fact-checking and fueled public misunderstanding.
In response, the navy and official media actively provided clarifications. The navy’s official Weibo account published educational posts about the 46 international signal flags and explicitly explained that “RU1” indicates sea trials.
In 2020, China Central Television’s military channel released a detailed short video distinguishing signal flags from the Japanese flag and highlighting the professionalism of the Chinese Navy. Following the Fujian carrier’s trials in 2024, the overseas edition of People’s Daily published an article titled “Signal Flags: The Universal Language at Sea,” using accessible language to explain the “RU1” convention.
These efforts have gradually alleviated misunderstandings, with many netizens commenting, “Learned something new,” and “It’s an international rule.”
However, some doubts remain, with questions like “Why not use other flags instead of one so similar?” These concerns reflect the influence of historical memory on public perception.
The painful legacy of the Sino-Japanese war makes the Nisshoki a sensitive symbol. Even though signal flags and the Japanese flag are unrelated, their visual resemblance triggers emotional responses.
Furthermore, the international signal flag system was originally developed under Western leadership, with limited input from Asian countries, leading some to feel that these rules are imposed rather than collaboratively established.
Conclusion
Signal flags are a silent language of the seas, linking history with the present and connecting diverse cultures. From the flag signaling systems devised by the British Navy in the 18th century to the “RU1” flag flown by today’s Chinese warships during sea trials, these flags reflect advances in maritime technology and humanity’s shared commitment to oceanic order.
The flag mistaken as the “Japanese flag” on Chinese warships is in fact a symbol of compliance with international regulations and a demonstration of responsibility for maritime safety. This small flag represents not only a technical signal but also embodies the spirit of the navy.
From the East China Sea to the open oceans, from trial runs to escort missions, Chinese warships use signal flags to declare to the world: we are messengers of peace and guardians of maritime rules. May this flag continue to fly proudly on the vast blue horizon.
References:
International Code of Signals, International Maritime Organization, 2020 edition
CCTV Military Channel, Signal Flags Explained: The Universal Language at Sea, August 2020
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