MANCHURIA (-tshWri-S) (Chinese Shing-King), a Chinese territory occupy ing the N. E. corner of the empire; bounded on the N. and E. by the Amur and Usuri, which separate it from the Russian territory; on the W. by the provinces of Irkutsk, Mongolia, and Chih li, on the S. by the Gulf of Leaotong, the Yellow Sea, and Korea; it is divided into three provinces, Shing-King, Feng-Tien, or Leaotong in the S. (of which Mukden is the capital), Kirin in the center (with a capital of the same name), and He Lung-Kiang in the N. (with capital Tsitsihar); total area, 362,310 square miles; pop. (est.) 13,000,000. The coun try is mountainous, but on the whole fertile. The climate is good; though the winters are severe, they are healthy and bracing. The vast forests of the N. are rich in useful timber of all kinds. The principal food crops are pulse,, millet, barley, and wheat. The vine, indigo, cotton, tobacco, etc., are cultivated. The administration is military, the governors of the two N. provinces being subordi nate to the governor of Mukden. The Manchus are a hardy race and their country has long been the great re cruiting ground for the Chinese army; but of late years vast numbers of Chi nese proper have flocked into it, so that now they by far outnumber the native race. In the 17th century the Manchus invaded China and placed their leader's son on the throne. From that time until the final deposition of the Manchu dynasty, China continued in nominal rule of the country.
With the completion of the Trans-Si berian Railroad in 1901, Russia began an aggressive attempt to control Manchuria. The Boxer Rebellioh in 1900 furnished an excuse for the sending of Russian forces into the province. These were not with drawn after the disturbances had been quieted, although the Russian Govern ment had promised that the occupation would not be permanent. Japan, whisk al
so coveted the economic control of this vast area, viewed possible Russian ab sorption with great hostility, and fear of this was one of the chief causes of the Russo-Japanese War in 1904-1905. By the treaty of Portsmouth, signed in 1905, both Russia and Japan pledged them selves to evacuate Manchuria, except as regarded Kwang-Tung in which, with the consent of China, Japan succeeded to the Russian lease and rights. By the terms of the treaty, Russia also turned over to Japan a portion of the Manchurian Rail way, terminating at Port Arthur.
In spite of promises thus given, both Russia and Japan continued, following the war, their attempts to dominate in Manchuria. These attempts, however, have been peaceful and are covered by a practical agreement to divide the terri tory into Russian and Japanese "spheres of influence." In 1915 Japan obtained from China, practically by force, further concessions in Manchuria, including pos session of the South Manchurian Rail way. Special privileges were also grant ed to Japanese subjects in South Man churia, with preference to the Japanese in respect to serving as foreign advisers or instructors in financial, military, and police matters. Indications were at the close of the World War that Japan, unless prevented by the concerted action of the Great Powers, would finally con trol the greater part of Manchuria. The Russian control of the northern part of the province, owing to the chaotic condi tion in the Russian government, became loosened. China had by 1920 ceased to have more than a nominal control over the province.