@article{ART003202339},
author={Jangbae Park},
title={Borderland Development and the Construction of Border Fortresses in Manchukuo},
journal={Journal of Manchurian Studies},
issn={1738-3668},
year={2025},
number={39},
pages={109-140}
TY - JOUR
AU - Jangbae Park
TI - Borderland Development and the Construction of Border Fortresses in Manchukuo
JO - Journal of Manchurian Studies
PY - 2025
VL - null
IS - 39
PB - The Manchurian Studies Association
SP - 109
EP - 140
SN - 1738-3668
AB - This study aims to comprehensively examine the reorganization of Manchukuo’s provincial-level administrative system in the 1930s and the construction of a series of border fortresses. Following the establishment of the puppet state of Manchukuo in 1932, its national system was reorganized. One notable point is that the number of provinces—the highest local administrative organs—continued to increase. This article first sketches the actual state of this problemand related policies. In other words, extending beyond existing studies, it investigates the actual conditions and forms concerning the relationship between the reorganization of the local administrative system and borderland development, including the construction of border fortresses.
Among Manchukuo’s policies, the Northern Borderland Promotion Plan (北邊振興計劃)submitted in 1939—along with the Five-Year Industrial Development Plan launched in 1937 and the Million Household Immigration Plan enacted in 1936—was referred to as one of the regime’s three major national policies. The Northern Borderland Promotion Plan was implemented in the northern border frontier region stretching from Hunchun (琿春) to Mohe County (漠河縣). Specifically, the plan aimed to counter the Soviet Union. From Manchukuo’s perspective, the USSR posed a grave threat to its existence. Ardingly, the Kwantung Army constructed17 large-scale border fortresses. The existence of these fortresses reveals that Manchukuo once served as a wartime mobilization state. They also illustrate the enormous resources and manpower mobilized to counter the USSR. Understanding the border issues during the Manchukuo period requires careful consideration of both the geopolitical positioning of the border region and its strategic role in national defense.
KW - Manchukuo;provincial administration;borderland development;Northern Borderland Promotion Plan;border fortresses
DO -
UR -
ER -
Jangbae Park. (2025). Borderland Development and the Construction of Border Fortresses in Manchukuo. Journal of Manchurian Studies, 39, 109-140.
Jangbae Park. 2025, "Borderland Development and the Construction of Border Fortresses in Manchukuo", Journal of Manchurian Studies, no.39, pp.109-140.
Jangbae Park "Borderland Development and the Construction of Border Fortresses in Manchukuo" Journal of Manchurian Studies 39 pp.109-140 (2025) : 109.
Jangbae Park. Borderland Development and the Construction of Border Fortresses in Manchukuo. 2025; 39 : 109-140.
Jangbae Park. "Borderland Development and the Construction of Border Fortresses in Manchukuo" Journal of Manchurian Studies no.39(2025) : 109-140.
Jangbae Park. Borderland Development and the Construction of Border Fortresses in Manchukuo. Journal of Manchurian Studies, 39, 109-140.
Jangbae Park. Borderland Development and the Construction of Border Fortresses in Manchukuo. Journal of Manchurian Studies. 2025; 39 109-140.
Jangbae Park. Borderland Development and the Construction of Border Fortresses in Manchukuo. 2025; 39 : 109-140.
Jangbae Park. "Borderland Development and the Construction of Border Fortresses in Manchukuo" Journal of Manchurian Studies no.39(2025) : 109-140.
