Twenty-one Demands

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Twenty-One Demands (Jan. 1915) A Japanese ultimatum to China, announced after Japan entered World War I on the Allied side and occupied the German base of Qingdao. Delivered at a time when the other foreign powers were preoccupied with the war in Europe, the demands would have imposed virtual protectorate status on China. The most strident ones, which included the imposition of Japanese advisers throughout Chinese government, were later retracted. The threat of military force left the Chinese President, Yuan Shikai, little choice but to concede the remaining articles. These included the extension of Japanese leases and rights in Manchuria, the takeover of the German concessions in Shandong, an increase of Japanese interests in Chinese mining concerns, and an embargo on future territorial concessions to any other power. The demands, once accepted, allowed the Japanese to consolidate their power in China, although this episode also had the effect of provoking deep resentment against the Japanese within the country and among Japan's allies.

Twenty-One Demands The Japanese attempt to impose domination on China in January 1915. Taking advantage of its favourable international position after entering World War I on the Allied side and capturing the German base of Qingdao on the Chinese mainland, Japan attempted to impose virtual protectorate status on China, which was diplomatically isolated and torn by civil war. Although one group of demands dealing with the appointment of Japanese advisers throughout the Chinese government was not enforced, threat of war left China no choice but to concede the others, including extension of Japanese leases in Manchuria, takeover of former German concessions in Jiaozhou, substantial interests in Chinese mining concerns, and an embargo on future coastal territorial concessions to any other foreign power. The Twenty-One Demands greatly extended Japanese power in China, but provoked serious resentment within China and aroused US fears of Japanese expansionism.