806 Chapter 6
resulting in a treaty at Shimonoseki on April 17, 1895. The terms were severe. Japan
acquired Formosa, an indemnity, and most-favored-nation status in China. China also
formally renounced all claims to suzerainty over Korea, recognizing Korea’s total
independence. Growing Japanese presence in China soon led to intrigue from Russia,
a pretext for the Russo-Japanese War 10 years later.
Coding changes: End Date changed from March 30, 1895.
MID#31
Started in May 1900. See the narrative in the 200 United Kingdom/710 China dyad
dispute list.
MID#2203
Dispute Number: 2203
Date(s): August 1907 to November 20, 1907
Participants: 740 Japan/710 China
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: In the wake of the Russo-Japanese War, Japan’s claims to Manchurian
industry lay mostly in the South Manchurian Railway Company. In the Peking Treaty
of 1905, China agreed not to construct any main line of railway in the neighborhood
of or parallel to the South Manchuria Railway. In the spring of 1907, the Chinese gov-
ernment began secret discussions of extending the Imperial Railway from north China
down into south Manchuria. Information about these meetings leaked to the Japanese
government in August, and Japan immediately warned the Chinese government of the
violation of the 1905 treaty. Japan warned again in October and for the third and final
time in November. The final warning came about almost simultaneously to the signing
of the contract between the Chinese government and the British construction company
on November 20, 1907.
Coding changes: Start Date changed from October 1907.
MID#2204
Dispute Number: 2204
Date(s): April 11, 1909 to September 4, 1909
Participants: 740 Japan/710 China
Outcome (and Settlement): Yield by side B (Negotiated)
Fatalities: 1–25 deaths
Narrative: The conclusion of the Russo-Japanese War (see MID#180) gave Japan
considerable rights over Manchuria, which Japan compelled China to accept. China
was greatly dissatisfied with the lack of control over Manchuria and over the railways.
It tried to involve the British by signing an agreement with the United Kingdom for
a Hsinmint’un-Fakumin line to be jointly owned by the Chinese and British. Japan
interpreted this move unfavorably, citing it as a violation of the rights afforded to
it by protocols with Russia (Treaty of Portsmouth) and with China. Great Britain,