A historical Perspective During the Reign of

CHUI #6

Nisshin Senso (Sino Jap War)
The Sino Jap War, which took place on the 8th month in 1894 and thru the 4th monoth of 1895.
The root cause of this war as seen here was the country of Korea plus the political and financial motives within each country.
The Meiji government at this time had a very small domestic market. As things and times changed the Meiji government saw the need to diversify. Modern times were approaching fast. The era of industrialism was fast approaching them. So what the government couldn't get its hands on it seized even if only for a brief time waged foreign campaigns and paid the price for it. Since the 1868 Imperial Restoration era, discourse was going on with interests and or investments within Korea.

This took place during the same time Japan annexed the Ryukyu Islands, which happened during the 5th year of Meiji. The next year an incident that lead to war broke out near Koka Shima (Koka Island) where armed might was used to push Japans influence. Then after a lengthy campaign during the 2nd month in the year 1876 it ended with Japan and Korea ironing out their problems and signing a treaty. The treaty between the two countries was arbitrated by the great powers was unequal and unjust in some eyes according to the Koreans. But this treaty was never ratified or changed.

The only good thing that came from this was that each country was allowed to establish consular offices in each other’s country.
Again the friendship rules/rights were established by the great powers. Korea confronted a known feudal lord as to their rights but their request was summarily denied. The Chinese were mediators for the Koreans, but even when talks of reaffirmation were discussed the Chinese were opposed to any direct investment/involvement with the Japanese. That’s when the rebellion started up again. In 1882 politicians were changing under the Manchu’s, which was a family autocracy.

Japan moved toward opposition of their type of governing. Seeing this might have been a negative influence, especially where Korea made the Japanese move toward realizing that their ties with the tiny island nation were really needed. During this time riots in Seoul were common as were the Koshi, Kebo and Gishi rebellions in Japan.

The Japanese government was standing by to dispatch a warship to reaffirm their willingness to ensure China does its part to help Korea, rather than influencing and realigning Korea with another nation for other purposes.
China under the Manchu’s uncovered a plot in Seoul, which was trying to misalign and sever all ties with Japan and China. That’s when all three countries signed another treaty call the Saibutsusho Joyaku and reparations were paid to ail concerned or inconvenienced.

Under the influence of a Chinese general "Rokosho" in the area of Hokuyo (N. Water Area) the Chinese Army and Navy under his control armed his troops with state of the art weaponry. This occurred during the 4th month of the year 1894. This was a demonstration by the Chinese of their determination to show Japan that China was a country to reckon with. His other purpose was to put his naval force on show for all to see as a show of power and stability in the area known as the Northern Waters.

The Meiji government and the Chinese waged a bitter battle until a resolution was finally agreed to. A man by the name of Ito Hakubun had negotiated an agreement, and was signed by both countries to evacuate all troops from Korea.
They only returned by mutual agreement and permission from the Korean government. This pact was just to ensure their return rights in case the political climate changed. After this agreement a warlord in Korea made concessions ensuring all Koreans that stability and economic security reigned on this tiny island nation. Thru this agreement commercial trade was again established between Korea, China, and Japan. The setting for the newest state of affairs in China, Korea and Japan was one of constantly confronting each other on different issues.
But these attitudes never changed. Each party was adamant about their beliefs. In the year the Bokokuryo prohibited 1889 trickling of exports to Japan.

Within Japan the imperial assembly at an open meeting, declaring that they were a modern nation with an advanced governmental system decreed various constitutional laws. Along with these laws were reforms, which enabled Japan to involve itself and others in domestic marketing, agriculture, production and other financial affairs of state. This helped somewhat in the countries political stability.

The only stopper was the issue of clanship. During the latter half of the century England and France were instituting an international military push in the southern area of the Manchu Dynasty from the north and Russia from the west. This aggression was supposed to cause alarm with the Chinese and Korean governments.
The other reason for this aggression was that Russia thought their Balkan peninsula was being threatened by England. Also this incident was a test of Russian Naval capabilities on the open sea. In 1879 their defense seemed to weaken.
Then during a conference that same year held in Berlin England was advancing toward the Balkan Peninsula. This drive by England was a ruse to gain access to an Asian peninsula. This plan also was a drive by England into the south for the Manchurians. Before these incidents the stability of Japan, Korea and China was shaky to say the least. The then political powers were re organizing the government structure and their militaries in order to cope with the allied push for territorial ownership and use of foreign ports. There were opposition parties against any trade, be it economic or military, because of ulterior motives by the allies.
AFTER THE KEIJO INCIDENT
The Chinese and Japanese were on shaky political ground and an inevitable collision was forthcoming. But it appeared that diplomacy was not achieving any tangible results.
In the year 1890 China wanted to build 50,000 warships for her coastal defense. This was going to be put under the control of Rikosho. It would be used as a coastal defense force against Japanese attack. At the same time England and Russia were struggling to gain access to these new Asian prospects. Russia was working with the Manchu’s and Koreans to extend their grip on certain economic and industrial functions of the two countries. But certain parties in Korea were reluctant to give there blessing for foreign intervention. The Koreans wanted the world to know what was going on and who would gain and who would suffer.
During the outbreak of war between Japan and China, the Japanese government had fears that allied governments would get involved.
But it was England's intention to not ally itself with Russia in their push, but with the emerging Japanese.

England thought this was the best choice in order to gain a proper foothold into Japan. In the 2nd month of the year 1885 it was said that Korea was being advised by England to take care and watch the development of situations between China and Russia. Note (was England playing two sides of the coin?) This by the way was going on before the outbreak of war between China and Japan.

It looked as if Russia would ally with China to defeat Japan. That was when England and Japan signed a commercial trade agreement.
South Korea during this war said that it would stand neutral and give assistance to whoever won. During this time turmoil was again rocking the troubled peninsula of Korea. The riots started in 1874 that directed ail its attention to the present government rather than to other troubled areas. This uprising took all of South Korea3 resources to suppress at the time. During this time there was a legation of Chinese in South Korea. China was contemplating sending troops to help quell the current uprising, but South Korea strongly protested this action. But China regardless had directed Rikosho and two of his Northern Generals to steam into international waters and standby to dispatch troops if needed.

In the same year during the 6th month 6th day the Japanese government signed pact to dispatch troops to Korea. The troops were utilized to quell the Togaku to no Ran (Tokaku Rebellion). In addition the Chinese also dispatched troops to augment the Japanese response. During this time there were much anti foreign feelings toward intervention of Korean affairs.

Four days prior to this date the Charge' de Affairs liaison Josan Hodairi Koshi and the foreign minister of Korea, along with the Chinese representative demanded that troops be sent in advance to quell the rebellion. On the 6th month 6th 8th day of the same year an imperial headquarters was established in Korea. The Chinese were against the landing of Japanese troops, and the Japanese were against the stationing of Chinese troops. The Korean government didn't expect or ask for this huge force to quell its problems. By doing this it would set a precedent for future incursions, one the residents of Korea would not tolerate.

In China the Chinese Charge' de Affairs allowed the dispatch of Japanese troops to a small village named Jutairo were a treaty would be signed. This treaty was to delineate how many troops would be stationed on Chinese soil and for how long. There was much deliberation on this matter of stationing troops in China and Korea. Both China and Japan still contended that Korea was a vassal state under their jurisdiction.
After these negotiations Korea set up within the government certain reforms, which stated how long foreign troops could be stationed on Korean soil. The Japanese finally agreed to not station large number of troops on Korean or Chinese soil. However, a small legation would be maintained in both countries for diplomatic purposes. This was agreed to solely to put Japanese fears to rest that further uprisings which might harm Japanese interests. At the imperial headquarters some troops remained to augment the legation. These troops would be utilized only in times of international emergency. This would only be enacted if the Korean government, after investigation of an incident deemed it necessary to call in extra troops.
After the evacuation of troops the Korean spirit was lifted to new heights. The feeling at this point was one of riding the back of the tiger with renewed strength and spirit. But General Yi (AKA Rikosho) was still in collaboration with Russia concerning the Kosotei (Kosho Dynasty). There were many arguments between the two nations concerning this country's future.
During the 7th month 19th day of that year Ensegai who was residing in a castle in Korea, was removed from office on the 20th day of the 7th month by Japanese minister Daitori. Ensegai petitioned the Korean government to keep his post, but his ousting was more of an ultimatum rather than an official order, meaning something else was going on in regards to Ensegai. On the 23rd of that month the Japanese Army took an action to demonstrate their military might. It was also initiated to test Korean military defenses.
This put the Korean forces on alert. However, representative Daiinkun was compelled to talk with the Japans president Shosenso Zokukankei on the 25th day of the month to repeal the declaration of alert. In addition to this the withdrawal of troops from nearby China would also be required. Just before the outbreak of war, the arbitration between Japan and Russia was scrapped because of inconsistencies in the Russian side of the negotiations. Negotiations now were initiated with England in hopes of gaining a strong allied support.
But the government bureaucracy obstructed this offer. Japan at this time was also looking for other areas of concern for their imperialist expansion program.
On the 7th month 29th day the Japanese Army attacked a contingent of Korean military at Seikan (Near the now Cp Humphreys south of Seoul). After the attack the Koreans repulsed the Japanese advancement. The retaliation by the Koreans was like splitting bamboo.
During the 9th month 15th & 16th day of that year on the outskirts of Pyongyang, Rikosho watched the forthcoming destruction of the Korean Army at the mouth of the northern waters. Then on the 17th day the Japanese fleet was sailing in the yellow sea and had quickly thru their military might secured the sea lanes around Korea.
After this battle the area was secured. Even after this attack the general opinion inside Japan was jubilance. There were small minority groups who were opposed to this intervention in Korea, especially the Christian splinter groups.

During the last ten days of the tenth month Japan was entering Manchuria through the Ryoto Hanto (Liatang Peninsula). During the 11th month 7th day they Japanese entered Darien a small Chinese city. Then 22 days later they captured and took Ryojun (Port Arthur). Then on the 2nd month of the next year and thru to the 3rd month 9th day, the Chinese military lost hold of a key position located near Densotai. An area around the Shantung Peninsula was captured along with an area called Seikaiei.

The Chinese fleet with the help of the Hanran, helped stave off the last attack, but eventually they stopped the Japanese on Ryukojima. A change was noted after this conflict within the Chinese government. In 1894 during the 7th month, both countries have felt the effects of the war. The Chinese though felt it the hardest. Within the Manchu Dynasty the leader Koshotei along with cabinet minister Chokurei and governor Rikosho were opposed to this conflict at the outset.
Originally, Koshotei called upon Seitaigo who supported General Yi's (AKA Rikosho) earlier efforts against the Japanese government.
Ten years before Seitaigo's time, when he had significant power he had Koshotei discharged from his government post for unknown reasons. During this time the Chinese government was at its peak politically and had the strength to advocate and carry out war if needed. Also during this time General Yi (Rikosho), and Renrosoku were trying to evade hostilities at the outset of war. All parties argued one for one against. General Yi argued for peace, and cited his reason that the military at that time was unprepared. This was the reason the great powers wanted to get involved. During the Nisshin Senso General Yi's Fleet & Army were patrolling the area around the northern waters of the Yangtze.
Rikosho was the last arbitrator between England and Russia, in regards to future expeditions into Korea. They claimed in order to enter Korea they would have to somehow augment the military force there. Being that Korea was still thought of as a vassal state of China. This idea died out as well as any expeditionary forces that wanted to be sent there. China had started this idea of a vassal state in that they thought they were helping Korea to enter into a new era and with Pyongyang on the Yellow Sea which Korean forces defeated Koshotei. It was said that forces were assembled nearby in case Rikosho decided to attack also. A message was sent by Koshotei Sokunens palace to Rikosho to halt any further aggression towards the Korean mainland. After that there were many years of di4logue and diplomacy. There were still many groups who were plotting and planning to take over the still quaking Peking government. Rikoshos disregard for rules and regulations almost started a war rather than develop a peace process.
KEKKA (The Results)
The results of this battle in the Yellow Sea near Pyongyang for the Koreans were victory. This battle was used as a tool for peace.
In 1895 during the 2nd Month 1st day Japans Sokuzen Gonshi Sai, Hakubun Gesokoku Oshuho, and Chinas Sokuzen Goncho and Yin Huan Shaoyulien were holding high level discussions which at the beginning were starting to break down rapidly because of each countries wanting control of each others territory. Each was determined to establish a peace treaty, but at what price?
There was in the end a final peace treaty, which lasted 30 months, which was signed on the 20th day of that same year. During this year on the 4th month 17th day the Japanese signed the final treaty. Their number one priority was to establish a peaceful solution to the Korean issue. The number two priorities were who would lay claim to Hoten Province in the southern part of the Liaotung peninsula. Their number four priorities were devoted to a solution towards the reparations issue in the amount of 100,000,000 Yen. The number two-priority issue was settled and it was decided that Taiwan would take possession of the Pescadores.
The Japanese paying the Chinese the 100,000,000 Yen they requested as reparations from the war settled the number four priority.

Their number six priorities were directed toward Europe, America, and various other countries requests for shipping, trading, and commerce rights in the three disputed areas. This was a most favored nation agreement, which used to promote the peace development process.

Four ports were agreed upon as trading commerce centers. Sashi, Chokei, Soochow, and Hangchow. These ports were also opened for trade between the great powers and Japan as well as China. The treaty for the Japanese also opened areas for the manufacturing industry, rights of management, and a treaty for commerce and navigation.

During the 4th month 25th day of this same year France and Germany were against the treaty, especially in reference to the Liaotung peninsula issue in addition to this the issue of the so called (3) countries and the interference into these co-countries governmental affairs, which were still occurring. This was especially so the Southern Port of Manchuria by the Russians. The concern was of the newly formed alliance by the Russia, France. Germany wanted a piece of this pie also but was isolated by the other two nations. In the end it was Russia who had final say in who was going to get what piece of the pie (e.g., various ports).

With the defeat of the Chinese by the great powers, the imperialistic view was not readily welcomed form any of the foreign countries. The three countries interference led to the eventual parceling of the wanted territories. Russia wanted Port Arthur & Dairen. France wanted Koshu Bay. Germany also requested Koshu Bay. The issue of who got Koshu Bay never really got resolved.
England in turn wanted Weihaiwei and Kuryu. Japan petitioned for special rights as most favored nation status, which was to be determined by the great powers. Through shrewd dealings of the Japanese a small victory was gained for Japan, in that they gained international status, but at a price. This price was the paying of reparations. By Japan enveloping this capitalistic view and paying the required reparations they gained this international status.
After the historic signing of this treaty, Japan gained also commerce and navigation rights in China as a result of this treaties signing.

From the Asian Historical

Diet Journals by Eito Kichi