The Dominion. FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 1915. TROUBLE BREWING IN THE PAR EAST

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2431, 9 April 1915, Page 4

The Dominion. FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 1915. TROUBLE BREWING IN THE PAR EAST

The tension in the relationships between China, and Japan appears to be increasing. For some time past tho, Japanese have been endeavouring to extend their commerce and to strengthen their political influence in China. But the Chinese arc suspicious of Japan, and are trying to block her demands as far as possible without decisively rejecting them. Negotiations have been proceeding for some time past with the object of arriving at a settlement of a num-. ber of matters in dispute. An agreement has been reached on certain points, but on others the parties find it very difficult to comc to terms. German agents are actively engaged in the_ work of stirring up strife, and their intrigues are in a large measure responsible for the unfriendly feelings which now exist. The antiJapanese movement is spreading among the populace, and the possibility of serious trouble is only too real. The situation is causing anxiety to the authorities at Peking, who do not want to give the Japanese any excuse for interfering with the internal affairs of China. A cablegram which we publish in another column states that the Government has found it necessary to warn the civil and military authorities to refrain from doing anything likely to provoke trouble. There is a widespread feeling of unsettlement throughout the country. The existing regime is not yet established on firm foundations, and there is a strong suspicion among the Chinese that Japan is Secretly endeavouring to change the political status of their country with the object of reinstating the old dynasty in the person of an Emperor who would be content to receive his instructions from Tokio. Japan emphatically denies that she is actuated by any such sinister motives, and declares that these rumours are of German- inspiration. The whole position is extremely complicated. Dynastic, political. social, and commercial influences and interests are all intermingled, and the danger of an upheaval is increased by a growing resentment among the people of foreign interference, especially when it takes the form of dictation from Japan. The Japanese on their .part have good grounds for believing that their unpopularity in China is due to German intrigue and misrepresentation. This belief has naturally given rise to irritation and animosity, and all the elements out of which a crisis might be created are at present in existence. At the recent Japanese elections the people declared in favour of the Government's forward policy in China. It may, therefore, bo taken for granted that tho Mikado's advisers are not likely to withdraw tho demands for special concessions and privileges whichwere recently sent to Peking, and which are now being discussed by tho two Governments.

There can bo no doubt that the capture of Kiaochau by the Japanese forces and the conserraent overthrow of .German power in China has compelled the Chinese Government to grapple with a number of new and pressing problems, and to consider old questions in a new light. Tho strength of Japan's position has been enormously increased during recent j'ears. Korea and Formosa hare been in her hands for some time; she has taken over Russia's interests in Southern Manchuria; and she is now in possession of the Chinese territory formerly held by Germany. She has a. great Army and a powerful Navy. She is full of confidence in her own strength, and is evidently determined to maintain a firm hold on China. Referring to the antiJapanese sentiment which is so widespread in China at the present time, the Shanghai correspondent of the London Dully A'cics remarks:

It must not be forgotten that the Japanese operations in Shantung both intensified this mistrust and deeply chagrined the Chinese in the realisation of their own powerlossness to prevent those operations. l.astly, in the capital and all provinces German influence is vtjry strong, mid is at present wholly directed towards inculcating suspicion of Japan and Great Britain. That a passion lor militarism, .model armies, and the honour of military heroes should take hold upon live capital and all chief otlici».l= if, in these circumttuncey. at peculiar.

As a matter of fact, China is just, now passing through a very critical period, Tb"ir, hit nuihy ypnn undMei inAucuuct> at wyrk, and i,Jw

atmosphere is full of plotting and scheming. What it will all eventually lead to it is impossible to say. Taxation is heavy, lawlessness is rampant, and discontent abounds. In order to allay public uneasiness, the Government recently issued a manifesto assuring the populace that thcro was no truth in the rumour that rebellion was imminent; that if a rising was contemplated it was not likely to be seriously attempted as the Government was too strong; and that if a revolt should take place those who were foolish enough to take part in it would bo made to suffer for their folly. From tho European point of view, such a proclamation ssems an astonishing document for any self-respecting Government to issue; but it is extremely difficult for a European to follow the working of the Chinese mind. If we try to judge Chinese methods and movements by European standards we are almost certain to be led astray. Surrounded by plots and coun-tcr-plots, the Pkesident, Yuan-Shih-Kai, and his subordinates have to walk warily, and they know how to overcome the difficulties and dangerß that beset them far better than we do; but whether they will be able to survive the gathering storm remains to be seen. Yuan-Shih-Kai, who has made liimsclf Emperor in almost everything but name, is a very astute person. He has so far managed to out-general all his opponents, and has extricated himsolf from the most awkward positions with marvellous ingenuity.. He is now trying to buila up an efficient standing army as a substitute for the present chaotic military system. A mandate which made its appearance a few months ago informed the people that "for our rising Republic a martial spirit should be fostered and military prowess held in highest esteem. This may sound reasonable enough to an outsider, but in China at the present juncture almost every political move is regarded with deep suspicions, and the new army scheme has given rise to anxious forebodings. People aro wondering what tho authorities are going to. do with their reformed army when they get it in good working order. Who is it going to fight.?