 In light of the appearance of the two new vessels, Rear-Admiral Tsuboi relinquished his chase of "Jiyuan" and decided to instead investigate the unknown vessels approaching from the north-west.Tsuboi had correctly suspected that "Kowshing" was carrying reinforcements for the Chinese forces at Asan, the prevention of which was the Flying Squadron's main objective.The three Japanese cruisers intercepted "Kowshing", and there was a break in the pursuit which lasted until 9.50 am.