Asia 753
MID#3250
Dispute Number: 3250
Date(s): August 15, 1900 to November 1900
Participants: 365 Russia/710 China
Outcome (and Settlement): Yield by side A (None)
Fatalities: >999 deaths
Narrative: Russia had a variety of interests in China, including the presence of Rus-
sian missionaries in China involved in the Boxer Rebellion. Russia also had keen
economic interest in China, especially involving the establishment of a Manchurian
railway. In 1898, Russia successfully used gunboat diplomacy to force China to accept
a railway linking Port Arthur and the Manchurian city of Harbin. In the process, Har-
bin became a de facto Russian colony in China. The Boxer Rebellion pitted China
against an eight-nation alliance that included Russia. Harbin became involved because
the Boxer Rebellion eventually consumed the whole of that region. Russia responded
with a full-scale occupation of Manchuria, which was complete by November 1900.
In spite of a successful Russian occupation of the region, Chinese rebels and bandits
destroyed approximately 560 miles of the 800 miles of railway owned by the Russian-
administered Chinese Eastern Railway. Losses were estimated at approximately
US$35,783,000 and Russia demanded compensation. The Boxer Protocol, the treaty
after the “disturbances” of 1900, addressed the indemnity issue. Russia gained most
of the sum to be paid by China and distributed among the victors. That protocol was
signed on September 1901, but an earlier protocol between Russia (through the Chi-
nese Eastern Railway) and China was signed in July 1901. This treaty reaffirmed the
previous one that gave control of Harbin to Russia and specifically addressed issues
of punishment for bandits.
Coding changes: End Date changed from October 10, 1900. Settlement changed from
Negotiated.
MID#3645
Dispute Number: 3645
Date(s): April 18, 1903 to April 28, 1904
Participants: 365 Russia/710 China
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (Imposed)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: On April 23, 1903, Russia demanded that China provide special privileges
in Manchuria, which essentially handed over sovereignty of the area and closed the
nation off from other countries. Russia stated that the withdrawal of its forces would
not go forward if China did not sign the agreement. On April 28, 1904, the Chinese
minister stated that while China was displeased with the continuing Russian occupa-
tion of Manchuria, China still held firm to maintaining good relations with Russia
and did not want to engage in war with or attack Russia. The Chinese minister said
that even with Japanese aid, he did not think it would help the Chinese cause. Also,
China did not want Japanese forces in its territory even for the purpose of defending
the sovereignty of its land.
Coding changes: Outcome changed from Unclear. Settlement changed from None.