Hey there, future history buff! 🌟 Buckle up because we're diving deep into the nitty-gritty of Japanese occupation of China and the juicy drama that went down during the Xian Incident in 1936. 🕵️‍♂️

Main Features

• Increasing Control Over China: Japan was not playing nice; they were tightening their grip on Chinese regions.
• Trying to Befriend Chinese Leaders: In a classic "frenemies" situation, Japan also tried to improve relations with China’s big bosses.

Why the Contradiction? 🤔

• Historical Links: Japan often played the "we're like family" card, saying that their shared history meant they should look forward to a common future.

Reality Check! 🛑

• Dominant Japan: Japan expected to be the "big brother" in this relationship, keeping special rights and privileges.
• Fake Autonomous Councils: By 1934, Japan had set up puppet governments in Hebei and Inner Mongolia, like Manchuguo, which were far from independent.

Real-world Example: Ever had a "friend" who's super nice to you but makes sure you're always playing by their rules? Japan's role was a bit like that "friend"—pretending to cooperate but in reality, holding all the cards.