View of extending control to Manchuria → strengthened → by what was happening in China. At that point in time → China was ruled by Chinese nationalist party (GMD → under Chiang Kai Shek
- Chiang faced serious threats to his rule.
- On the borders with Manchuria → many local warlords → did not fully accept his authority.
- Some were prepared to collaborate with the Japanese in return for economic and military support.
At the same time → Chiang was locked in an intense rivalry → with small but growing communist party of China → known as Chinese communist party (CCP).
- Chinas troubles and instability → seemed to provide perfect opportunity → for Japan to expand further + annex Manchuria
- Instability could even be used → as an excuse for the expansion - Japan could claim to be trying to stabilise the region.