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Navigating Territorial Identities : The Chinese Eastern Railway’s Impact on Russia’s Perception of Manchuria (1984-1904)

  • Journal of Manchurian Studies
  • Abbr : 만주연구
  • 2023, (36), pp.39~82
  • DOI : 10.22888/mcsa..36.202310.39
  • Publisher : The Manchurian Studies Association
  • Research Area : Social Science > Area Studies > East Asia > China
  • Received : September 17, 2023
  • Accepted : October 27, 2023
  • Published : October 31, 2023

Deokkyoo Choi 1

1동북아역사재단

Accredited

ABSTRACT

This paper explores the Chinese Eastern Railway (CER), a significant Russian national railway constructed in ‘foreign’ territory, and its impact on Russian perceptions of Manchuria from 1894 to 1904. Originating as an idea in political circles in Manchuria, the CER ignited intense debates within the Russian tsar government regarding its territorial identity and Manchuria-Russia relations. At the heart of to these debates were two clashing viewpoints: the “Manchurian Division” and the “Annexation of Manchuria,” The former perspective advocated for Russia’s viewing of Manchuria as an extension of Siberia, a notion that divided Manchuria into northern and southern halves, with key ports like Lushun and Dalian potentially falling under Qing dynasty rule in the South, while the North would come under Russian control. The latter viewpoint, however, argued for Manchuria to be wholly absorbed into Russian territory. This study delves into the Russian government’s evolving perceptions and strategic recalibrations during these debates, with a special focus on the transformative impact of the outbreak of the Russo-Japanese War and the subsequent alterations in Russia’s viewpoints towards Manchuria in the context of the CER’s construction.

Citation status

* References for papers published after 2023 are currently being built.