RUSSIAN PROJECTS IN THE CHINA SEAS.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1168, 5 August 1885, Page 3

RUSSIAN PROJECTS IN THE CHINA SEAS.

The Vienna correspondent of the " Daily Telegraph " says he is indebted for the following important information to a naval officer who has just returned from a cruise in the Chinese Seas. The constant reinforcement of the Russian East-Indian squadron, and the appearance of several sbipa belonging to it in the immediate neighborhood of the Island of Quelpart, where they were observed to take soundings, aroused the Chinese and Japanese authorities. They have now ascertained that the Russians contemplate the occupation of Quelpart. The island in question is a strategic position of first-class importance between China, Japan, and the Corea. It commands the seaway to the commercial centres of Nagasaki, Siminoselri, Pusan, Intchou, Tchifu, Tientsin, and Riutchang. It is only 150 geographical miles from Shanghai. It would make an excellent station for the fleet of a foreign Power. The Corean G-overnment are not in a position to defend it. If Quelpart were once occupied by the Russians, the twin islands of Tchusima, at present the property of Japan, would inevitably share a similar fate. In 1859 an attempt made by Russian merchantmen to colonise the Tchusima Islands was frustrated by England. The common danger that would thus confront China and Japan from the projected Russian occupation of Quelpart has brought about a rapprochement between those two Powers, in view of providing for the safety of the Corean Island. China, iin particular, is evidently preparing for war. Japan is not idle either. Orders have been issued for the equipment of 40. ships and 23 torpedo boats. Military manoeuvres on a vast scale are now taking place, under the inspection of Mikado, at Fiikuoka.