EVENTS IN CHINA.

Evening Star, Issue 22783, 4 May 1931, Page 10

EVENTS IN CHINA.

Jx the winter that lias just passed matters have been quiet in China. Now, with tlie coming of spring, there is a suggestion that further trouble is developing. it is reported that there is a threat by the Cantonese to establish an independent Government in Southern China, the breach between the Nanking and Kwantung cliques having widened. .It will bo remembered that tho Nanking Administration itself is of southern origin, Chiang Kai-shek having assumed tho mantle of the departed Dr Sun Yat-son and led the victorious Kuomintang army to take possession in the north, hi the last spring, summei, and autumn the Nanking Government was in serious trouble, and for a lime its position was most precarious. It had to engage active foes on various fronts. In tho north it was called on to meet intensive attacks by the forces of tho two powerful war lords—Feng Yu-hsiang and Yeng Hsi-shan. Nanking’s efforts in the earlier stages to crush these opponents were so unsuccessful rhat its prestige received a tremendous blow, which in

China is a serious matter, for the wild and lawless bands of soldiers arc irresistibly drawn to tho winning side. After some bcavv reverses the tide of battle turned. Cliiang Kai-shek gained the upper hand, and the young Manchurian leader (Chang Hsuch-liang) and bis astute councillors, who had been awaiting the result of the lighting, threw in their lot witli Nanking. This completed the discomfiture of the opposing leaders, who retreated in haste and disorder to their bases. It hits been said that most wars in China close with “ cash ” victories, and this was no exception. Nanking had a powerful weapon in its financial resources, which were far greater than those of the rebel leaders. “ Mone\ talks ” eloquently in Manchuria as elsewhere, and the handsome contributions to the Mukden coffers, added to a series of victories, made the position secure. While the operations in the north were proceeding Chiang Kai-shek had to face rebel risings in the south. This caused him serious embarrassment in dividing bis forces, ft was a “ Communist Bandit ” movement along the Yang-tse, which became dangerous, and even threatened Hankow itself, but it was eventually repressed. The perils from the organised lied forces in this area arc by no means over, however, and the latest report on the situation suggests that the trouble may blaze up again. Tho trading world at largo hopes for peace and unity in China, and is watching events anxiously. The Nanking Government is tiio strongest that the country has had so far, and it has shown real anxiety to cultivate the arts of peace. But on tho other side widespread corruption and dishonesty, banditry and lawlessness on a big scale, and antagonism to tho foreigner are factors that make the position of the National Government one of exceeding difficulty.