Why both Japanese and Korean nationalists lust after Manchuria Options

[EazyMoney]

Seems like Manchuria has nothing do with them at all.
It beats me


Anyway, just a shoutout.


peace

[Eidolon]

The Japanese want it for Lebensraum. In their eyes Japan is too small and prone to disaster - not exactly a land from which premier nations are built.

The Koreans have a sentimental attachment to it. Their nationalist historians like to trace Korean roots to a series of tribal confederations/kingdoms in Manchuria (Gojoseon, Goguryeo, etc.) So, they like to think that the land they lost over a thousand years ago might still be reclaimed. It gives Korean nationalism a goal to strive towards.

As for ourselves (Chinese), Manchuria is a strategic and economic acquisition. It is a gateway to the North China plains, and has historically been the land of our enemies and invaders. Our possession of it today symbolizes our triumph over them, and keeps China safe. Manchuria in another nation's hands threatens us greatly - as four out of the five foreign dynasties that managed to conquer parts of China (or all of it) rode out of this land, and it was a general headache for past emperors. To prevent a repeat of history, Manchuria must not be allowed to fall into other nations' hands. To this end, we should develop the region's economy and encourage even more patriotic Chinese to migrate into the area.

This post has been edited by Eidolon: Jun 10 2009, 10:15 PM

[JohnnyReb]

The Japanese want it for Lebensraum. In their eyes Japan is too small and prone to disaster - not exactly a land from which premier nations are built.

The Koreans have a sentimental attachment to it. Their nationalist historians like to trace Korean roots to a series of tribal confederations/kingdoms in Manchuria (Gojoseon, Goguryeo, etc.) So, they like to think that the land they lost over a thousand years ago might still be reclaimed. It gives Korean nationalism a goal to strive towards.

As for ourselves (Chinese), Manchuria is a strategic and economic acquisition. It is a gateway to the North China plains, and has historically been the land of our enemies and invaders. Our possession of it today symbolizes our triumph over them, and keeps China safe. Manchuria in another nation's hands threatens us greatly - as four out of the five foreign dynasties that managed to conquer parts of China (or all of it) rode out of this land, and it was a general headache for past emperors. To prevent a repeat of history, Manchuria must not be allowed to fall into other nations' hands. To this end, we should develop the region's economy and encourage even more patriotic Chinese to migrate into the area.

Excellent post.