Centennial China-Germany relations

Author: Pan Qichang / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-09-01
Features: History cannot be forgotten. History is a mirror. History provides inspiration. History provokes deep reflection. History can inspire. The "Series of Books on China's Relations with the World" was compiled over eight years by the Diplomatic Academy, gathering research findings from multiple research institutions and higher education institutions in China, including the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. This is a large-scale academic monograph on China's bilateral relations with major powers and neighboring countries, covering a time span of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries, encompassing over 100 years of history from the late Qing Dynasty, the Republic of China, and the People's Republic of China. It fully demonstrates the foreign policies of China and relevant countries during each period, as well as the international situation at the time. It records the humiliating diplomacy of old China and the indomitable spirit of the Chinese people in their struggles, showcases the historical evolution of China's borders, the historical events and experiences of China during the Cold War, reflects the rise in China's international status after the "Reform and Opening Up," and faithfully documents the rapid development of bilateral relations between China and relevant countries after the Cold War, especially after the 21st century. The series is committed to faithfully presenting historical facts, accurately commenting on major historical events, and reflecting the academic perspectives of the authors. This series serves as a reference for researchers of international issues, students in universities and colleges majoring in international politics and international relations, as well as readers who are interested in international issues and Chinese diplomacy.
In the 1890s, Germany finally found an opportunity. In 1894, Japan launched the aggressive First Sino-Japanese War, demanding territorial concessions and huge indemnities from China. The closed-off, corrupt, and weak Qing government was easily defeated in the war. To preserve its ruling position, it, sought peace with Japan through signing treaties. The First Sino-Japanese War not only exposed the Qing government's weakness and vulnerability but also emboldened Japan's expansionist ambitions in East Asia. However, Japan's rise in Asia after the war disrupted the regional power balance, leading to an imbalance in the scramble for colonies in China by Western powers. This naturally raised concerns among Western powers, including Germany. German Foreign Minister von Marschall issued a statement to Japan, demanding that Japan inform Western powers of any steps taken to occupy Chinese territory so that Germany could respond in time. At the time, the powerless Qing government sought mediation from Germany, Russia, France, Britain, and other countries, hoping they would support China and resist Japan's occupation of Chinese territory.
On March 3, 1895, the German Ambassador to China reported to the German Foreign Ministry: "Li Hongzhang requested that Germany secretly negotiate with Japan to reduce the terms of the peace treaty, as he believed that the demands for territorial concessions that threatened China's survival were unacceptable." However, Germany first communicated with Japan about Li Hongzhang's request. On March 6, 1895, German Foreign Minister von Marschall secretly informed the German Ambassador to Japan, Count von Goltz, that the German Imperial Government recommended that Japan quickly conclude a peace treaty and reduce its terms. China had requested intervention from European powers, several of which had decided to intervene and were coordinating their efforts. The more they demanded in return for intervention, the less was left for Japan. Therefore, it was more advantageous for Japan to reach a direct and reasonable solution. Up to this point, according to our information, Japan's demand for territorial concessions in mainland China was particularly likely to provoke intervention." This message was officially sent to the Japanese government on March 8, 1895. However, the Japanese Ambassador to Berlin, Aoki Komei, replied to the German government: "The Russian government and my own government have exchanged views in the last few days. The Russian government will support Japan in obtaining military compensation, territorial concessions, and the renegotiation of Sino-Japanese trade relations in the peace negotiations." This reply amounted to rejecting Germany's ideas.
On March 20, 1895, the German Ambassador in St. Petersburg learned from Prince Lobanov, the Russian Foreign Minister, that even if Japan gained territorial concessions, Russia would remain neutral. Additionally, the German Ambassador in London learned that Japan would reach an understanding with Britain to occupy Chinese territory without interference from each other, and Britain was also emphasizing its own interests. In light of this, Kaiser Wilhelm II suddenly conceived the bizarre idea of the "Yellow Peril (Gelbe Gefahr)," believing that a yellow race united under Japanese leadership would mark the beginning of a major conflict between the white and yellow races, and between Christianity and Buddhism. He envisioned that the armies and armored ships of the yellow race would be even stronger than those of all of Europe combined, and would crush and destroy the ancient continent. Wilhelm II concluded that it was necessary to curb Japan's ambitions. German Foreign Minister von Marschall, however, was more concerned about Japan's ambitions in a more practical way. He feared that if Port Arthur fell into Japanese hands, it would become "a second Gibraltar, giving Japan control over the Liaodong Bay, which would place China under Japan's protection and further endanger peace in Europe."
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