ABSTRACT
Following the Manchurian Incident, the Japanese government under Saitō proclaimed the “Asiatic Monroe Doctrine,” the primary objective of which was the preservation of peace in Asia through “cooperative and friendly relations among China, Japan, and Manchukuo under the leadership of the Japanese empire.” Hirota became foreign minister in September 1933, and he echoed the intentions of this doctrine by announcing a policy of “harmony and cooperation” and by expressing his desire to improve Sino-Japanese relations. The Nationalist government refused to recognize the establishment of the state of Manchukuo, but in July 1934 it did allow the passage of railroad traffic between China and Manchuria. This was soon followed by the establishment of customs offices and the resumption of postal services. In May 1935 Japan and China agreed to exchange ambassadors.
