War and Geopolitics in Interwar Manchuria: Zhang Zuolin and the Fengtian Clique during the Northern Expedition

by Chi Man Kwong

In War and Geopolitics in Interwar Manchuria Kwong Chi Man revisits the civil wars in China (1925-1928) from the perspective of the often-overlooked "warlords," who fought against the joint forces of the Nationalist and Communist parties. In particular, this work focuses on Zhang Zuolin, the leader of the "Fengian Clique" who was sometimes seen as the representative of the Japanese interest in Manchuria.
Using primary and secondary sources from China, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, this work tries to revisit the wars during the period from international, political, military, and economic-financial perspectives. It sheds new light on Zhang Zuolin's decision to fight against the Nationalists and the Communists and offers an alternative explanation to the Nationalists (temporary) victory by revealing the central importance of geopolitics in the civil wars in China during the interwar period.

Genres: History

342 pages, Hardcover

Published March 9, 2017

Reviews

[Ryan Qixu · Rating 5 out of 5]

When i previously read about the 1920s era in China, it was all dominated by GMD/CCP Anti-warlord/imperialist narratives. Kwong's focus on the Fengtian Clique in Manzhou, dispels many myths about the incompetence of the warlord force during the Northern Expedition (Beifa). Zhang Zuolin himself was not pro-Japanese, and did his best to maintain its Manzhou's autonomy despite facing threats from the Soviets and the Guandong army.

The success of Jiang Jieshi's Beifa in 1928 ironically led to the disintegration of the Fengtian Clique, weakening China's political and military grip over Manzhou, paving way for Guandong Army to seize Shenyang on the fateful night of September 18,1931.

It is a must read for students interested in the political and military history of Republican China.

[Roniius · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good and informative book, focusing on the Northern Expedition from the perspective of the Fengtian clique. It is first structured in a way that many aspects of the Fengtian clique can be explored, and then it dives into a chronological account. Well-written and well-sourced.