Twenty-One Demands

Japan, in 1915, issued Twenty-One Demands to China, which established regional dominance.

They were organized into five groups, which are more convenient for introductory discussion.

1. China agreed to "give full assent to all matters that the Japanese Government may hereafter agree with the German Government respecting the disposition of all the rights, interests and concessions, which, in virtue of treaties or otherwise, Germany possesses vis-à-vis China in relation to the province of Shantung. [Article 1]" Further, Japan will build "a railway connecting Chefoo or Lungkow with the Kiaochou Tsinanfu Railway. [Article 3]"
2. "...in view of the fact that the Chinese Government has always recognized the predominant position of Japan in South Manchuria and Eastern Inner Mongolia," "the lease of Port Arthur and Dairen [(i.e., the Kwangtung Leasehold) and the term respecting the South Manchuria Railway and the Antung-Mukden Railway shall be extended to a further period of 99 years respectively.. China will grant mining rights, and obtain preapproval from Japan if other nationals wish to build a railroad, make loans secured by taxes from the area, or China engages political, financial or military advisers. "control and management of the Kirin-Chungchun Railway shall be handed over to Japan for a term of 99 years dating from the signing of this treaty."