Among the four major military enterprises in early modern China, Li Hongzhang founded three by himself, and as he himself said, "making weapons is the first thing in training". Later, in the actual operation of introducing western equipment for modern production, he further concluded: "If China wants to strengthen itself, it is better to learn from foreign sharp tools. There is no better way to learn foreign sharp tools than to find tools to make sharp tools and learn their methods without all of them. Those who want to find tools and instruments for making utensils, or set up special departments to select scholars, will be considered rich and famous all their lives, then their careers can be achieved, their skills can be improved, and their talents can be gathered, reflecting their deepening understanding.

Reference 1: Li Hongzhang and Westernization Movement Reference 2: Li Hongzhang and Tianjin Machinery Manufacturing Bureau

More relevant information can be found in his collected works and later generations' comments on him.