Forgotten Ally: China's World War II, 1937-1945

by Rana Mitter

But Chiang did not go back on the idea of a new united front. It was clear to him that the threat from Japan was simply too great to allow another civil war to break out. Under the terms of the new United Front between the Nationalists and Communists, the armed forces of both sides would cease action against one another and would make preparations for war against a foreign invader. The atmosphere on the other side of the Sea of Japan was becoming yet more turbulent. On February 16, 1936, young army officers attempted to overthrow the government, which they claimed was doing too little to relieve poverty at home and build up Japan’s military strength. They managed to assassinate senior figures including Finance Minister Takahashi Korekiyô. Prime Minister Okada Keisuke only escaped because the plotters murdered his brother-in-law by mistake. Although the coup failed and its ringleaders were executed, there was much sympathy for their cause in high circles, leading to greater political tension.