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1. Twenty-One Demands: In 1915, Japan presented the Twenty-One Demands to China, which included economic concessions and political control over parts of China. Although some demands were not accepted, Japan obtained certain economic privileges and increased its presence in China.
2. Loans and Investments: Japan provided loans and investments to China, particularly for infrastructure projects such as railways and mines. By financing these projects, Japan gained economic leverage and control over strategic sectors of the Chinese economy.
3. Manchurian Expansion: Japan took advantage of the political instability in China and expanded its influence in Manchuria (Northeast China). It established the South Manchuria Railway Company (SMR) and gained control over various economic resources, industries, and ports in the region.
4. Control of Key Industries: Japan established joint ventures and subsidiaries in Chinese industries, acquiring significant stakes in sectors such as textiles, steel, coal, and mining. This gave Japan a strong foothold in China's economy.
5. Trade Expansion: Japan increased its trade with China, importing raw materials and agricultural products while exporting manufactured goods. This trade imbalance favored Japan and further strengthened its economic position in China.
6. Currency Manipulation: Japan manipulated the exchange rate between the Japanese yen and the Chinese yuan to its advantage, making Japanese goods cheaper and more competitive in China.
7. Political Influence: Japan used its political influence in China, especially during the early stages of the Chinese Nationalist Party (Kuomintang) rule, to secure favorable economic deals and concessions.
Overall, Japan used a combination of economic strategies, political pressure, and military expansion to gain significant economic influence in China after World War 1. This influence laid the foundation for Japan's later aggression and occupation of Chinese territories during the 1930s and 1940s.