East Asian Geopolitics and Conflicts

Regional Rivalry: The period between the late $19^{th}$ and early $20^{th}$ centuries saw Russia, China, and Japan on a direct "collision course" for dominance and influence in East Asia.
Contested Territories: Key strategic areas included Korea, Manchuria, and Formosa (present-day Taiwan). Korea was identified as a particularly significant point of contention.

Topography: Korea is characterized by a very mountainous terrain.
Natural Border: A prominent mountain range in the northern part of the peninsula forms a substantial and elevated border between China and Korea.

Causes: The conflict arose from China's aspirations to expand control over areas not yet under its direct influence, such as Formosa, alongside broader ambitions for regional hegemony.
Duration and Outcome: China suffered a severe defeat after approximately $6$ months of fighting.
Initial Post-War Negotiations (Japanese Demands): Japan initially proposed that China could retain Korea if it conceded Manchuria to Japan, at least for a temporary period.
Russian Intervention: Russia intervened in the peace process, suggesting that Japan should only be allowed to control Southern Korea. This move escalated tensions, directly leading to further conflict.

Japanese Retaliation: In response to Russian intervention and to assert its regional power, Japan launched an attack on the Russian Pacific fleet stationed in Port Arthur.
Primary Focus: The core issue driving the subsequent hostilities between Japan and Russia was the control over Manchuria.

Brutal Character: The form of colonialism prevalent during this era was characterized as "brutal."
Suppression of Dissent: This brutal colonialism often involved the forceful and violent suppression of any and all forms of local resistance or opposition.