Russia and China.

Manawatu Herald, 7 April 1898, Page 2

Russia and China.

The Japanese newspapers consider that the proposed British naval demonstration in the Gulf of Pc chi. li has been ordered with a view to overawe China into making .concessions. r.\ '■ "'* ' ' ■ . . : '■• .;' V These. journals also complain that Japan ia in an isolated position, and they express resentment 'towards Britain,-.; j.'-\ V.. ■ It is officially .announced that China has opened Fn-ning-fu, in the province i-of iPoWenv 70 miles northeast oP Eoocfcow^.; You*chon fu, in the province of Hunan, at the head of Lake. Tungrting ; and Chen yuan fa, on the Gaff of Liaotong, as treaty ports. ; The Time* states that the Chinese Government . has agreed to lease Weihaiwei to Britain after the with* drawl of the Japanese troopa in May. It is believed that the Russian Government has acquiesced ia the lease, also that Japan is favourable to the British occupation. The Times remarks that Weihaiwei ; will be a difficult place to defend, whilst it is also inferior as a naval base to either Kiaoohau or port Arthur. The Russian Government has informed the Sultan that 20,000 troops will shortly pass through the Dardanelles m t outs for the Far East. The press and politicians are generally satisfied with tha Weihaiwei concessions, bat the military service is lets latiafied, fearing that a heavy garrison with extensive fortifications, will be necessary to maintain the position. Germany was completely surprised by the move, but is apparently acquiescent. The Nbyoe Vremya threatens a demonstration on the part of Russia on the Afghan frontier in reply to

the projected British demonstration in the Gulf of Pechili. An^ impression prevails that Great Britain will exact further compensation from China. It is reported from Pekin thai France is about to seize a coaling station near Fuchan. The Timet states that all the commercial Powers would view so daring a step with the utmost disapprobation