War against china
The leader of China (Chiang Kai-shek) didn’t want to go into war with Japan because he was fighting a bigger threat (Chinese Communists). Chiang Kai-shek even allowed japan to govern some parts of North China to avoid conflict. However, the Japanese kept pushing southward. In December 1936, Chiang stopped this efforts to destroy communism and turned his army to fight the Japanese. In July 1937, Chinese and Japanese fought south of Beijing. Japan was able to defeat Chinese troops and then seized the Capital of Nanjing. However, Chiang Kai-shek didn’t surrender, he moved his capital and resisted.
the new asian order
Japanese Military leaders wanted to create a new system of control in Asia; where Japan would guide the other Asian countries to prosperity. This plan encompassed Siberia which was under the soviet rule. Ultimately, Japan turned to Germany because it believed that Germany and Japan would defeat the soviet Union and divide the country and its resources. When Germany signed an alliance with the Soviet Union, Japan then turned to South Asia for resources.
japan launches attack
In 1940, Japan asked to exploit resources in Indochina, which was under the French rule. The United States opposed this and warned Japan that it would enforce economic sanctions. Meanwhile, Japan was at the time importing oil and iron from the US that were vital to Japan. After a period of time, Japan decided to attack western colonies in Southeast Asia.