Qing–Japan war declaration begins the First Sino-Japanese War, 1894

Background. Tensions arose from rival claims of influence on Joseon Korea. In June 1894, the Qing sent troops to aid the Korean emperor Gojong in suppressing the Donghak Peasant Revolution. Japan viewed the Qing presence as a threat and deployed its own forces, seizing the Royal Palace in Seoul and installing a pro-Japanese government.

Escalation to War. Following the seizure of the palace, Japanese troops occupied Seoul and captured King Gojong, establishing a new pro-Japanese government on 23 July 1894. This government terminated Sino-Korean treaties and granted the Imperial Japanese Army the right to expel Qing forces from Korea, setting the stage for formal hostilities.

Formal Declaration. War was officially declared between China and Japan on 1 August 1894. This event marked the beginning of the First Sino-Japanese War, a conflict primarily for influence over Korea that lasted until April 1895. The war is commonly known in China as the War of Jiawu, referring to the year 1894.