804 Chapter 6
Fatalities: None
Narrative: Japan completed its occupation of the Ryukyu Islands in May 1879. These
islands connect present-day Taiwan and the southernmost island of Japan much like
the Kuril Islands connect the northernmost point of Japan and Russia. China protested
immediately, citing the islands as a centuries’ old tributary to the Qing Dynasty, and
the islands became a focal point of foreign policy for both states. US President Ulysses
S. Grant recommended a partition of the islands when he visited on September 20,
- Japan and China commenced negotiations over this issue, with Japan using
the proposal as leverage to also obtain revision of a previous Sino-Japanese Treaty
signed in 1871. China ultimately relented because of the pressure it was receiving
from Russia and France on other issues but also delayed signing the treaty. Japan’s
position in Ryukyu continued, but negotiations soon began again. Japan’s claims on
the Ryukyu Islands were given official recognition by China in the agreement, and the
islands were formally incorporated into the Okinawa Prefecture. The Sino-Japanese
War in the mid-1890s eventually resulted in the permanent position of the islands as
Japanese.
Coding changes: End Date changed from September 20, 1879.
MID#2202
Dispute Number: 2202
Date(s): August 9, 1882 to August 28, 1882
Participants: 740 Japan/710 China
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (Negotiated)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: On July 23, 1882, discontent within the Korean Army finally boiled into
an insurrection. One of the leaders, Tai Won Kun, encouraged the burning of the
Japanese legation in Seoul, so that he could take charge in the place of Queen Min
and her followers, who were pro-Japanese. When the Japanese government heard of
this incident, it sent forces to Seoul, arriving on August 9, just one day before Chinese
forces arrived. In order to curb possible hostilities on its suzerainty by Japan, China
quickly arrested Tai Won Kun, punished the insurrectionists harshly, and negotiated a
treaty between Korea and Japan. Talks on this treaty were entered into on August 28,
and the treaty was signed two days later. In addition to giving Japan indemnities for
the unfortunate incident, Korea agreed to Japan’s demand to station troops in Seoul to
protect its rebuilt legation. The treaty also gave approval for Chinese forces to remain
in the area as well.
Coding changes: Start Date changed from July 31, 1882. Outcome changed from
Unclear. Settlement changed from None.
MID#1486
Dispute Number: 1486
Date(s): December 4, 1884 to April 18, 1885
Participants: 740 Japan/710 China
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (Negotiated)