Jiangsu–Zhejiang War

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1918–1920	Siberian intervention
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1920	Zhili–Anhui War
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1920–1926	Spirit Soldier rebellions
1921	1st National CCP Congress
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1922	First Zhili–Fengtian War
1923–1927	First United Front
1923	Lincheng Outrage
1924	Jiangsu–Zhejiang War; Second Zhili–Fengtian War; Canton Merchants' Corps Uprising; Beijing Coup

The Jiangsu–Zhejiang War (3 September to 12 October 1924) was a conflict in Warlord era China fought between the Zhili clique and the remnants of the Anhui clique for control over Zhejiang and Shanghai. It ended with the defeat of the Anhui clique forces and the Zhili clique obtaining control over Zhejiang and Shanghai.

History

Following the Zhili clique's victory in the 1922 First Zhili-Fengtian War, its power expanded as it took control of Rehe (Jehol), Chahar, and Suiyan and consolidated its control over Henan.^[1]^: 135 It also continued to control Beijing and thus controlled China's central government.^[1]^: 135

In March 1924, the Zhili clique further improved its position when Zhili clique general Sun Chuanfang's forces defeated two Anhui clique generals in Fujian, gaining control of that province.^[1]^: 135 As a result, Zhejiang and Shanghai were some of the limited areas not under Zhili control (the others were Zhang Zuolin and the Fengtian clique's control of Manchuria, and the areas controlled by Sun Yat-sen's Kuomintang in the far south).^[1]^: 135

Lu Yongxiang, the Anhui clique general in Shanghai, allowed the Anhui clique generals and their troops who had been defeated in Fujian to enter Shanghai.^[1]^: 135 The Zhili clique governor of Jiangsu, General Qi Xieyuan, deemed this to be a violation of the agreement that Shanghai would remain neutral.^[1]^: 135 On 3 September, his forces attacked the Anhui forces in Zhejiang and Shanghai, beginning the Jiangsu–Zhejiang War.^[1]^: 135

Zhang Zuolin viewed this attack as a threat to his position and began preparing his forces for war.^[1]^: 135 In turn, Zhili forces led by Wu Peifu, Cao Kun, and Feng Yuxiang began preparations to fight the Fengtian clique and moved their forces toward Shanhaiguan.^[1]^: 135 On 15 September, these forces began fighting in the Second Zhili-Fengtian War.^[1]^: 135

The fighting

The Zhili clique's strategy focused on overwhelming the Anhui clique forces in Shanghai, theorising that this would allow a quick victory before Zhang's forces in the north could attack the Zhili clique-controlled territories.^[1]^: 136 In turn, the Anhui clique forces sought to hold out as long as possible to allow time for Zhang's forces to begin fighting or for the Kuomintang to enter the fight in the south.^[1]^: 136

Initial fighting around the Jiangsu-Shanghai border became a stalemate.^[1]^: 136 Zhili clique forces had greater numbers and better supplies of weaponry.^[1] ^: 136Anhui clique forces were better organised and had particularly effective placement and usage of machine guns.^[1]^: 136

While that perimeter stalemated, Zhili clique forces led by Sun Chuanfeng achieved a breakthrough in Zhejiang.^[1]^: 136 Lu Yongxiang, the Anhui clique general, retreated from Zhejiang and concentrated on defending Shanghai.^[1]^: 136 On 21 September, the Zhejiang naval forces switched sides, leaving the Anhui clique undefended in Shanghai waters.^[1]^: 136

Conclusion

The Jiangsu–Zhejiang War ended on 12 October 1924.^[1]^: 136 Lu Yongxiang retired and fled via ship.^[1]^: 136 The Zhili clique gained control of Zhejiang and Shanghai.^[1]^: 136

References

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k ^l ^m ⁿ ^o ^p ^q ^r ^s ^t ^u Tanner, Harold M. (2025). War in Modern China: A Military History. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-032-46939-3.

[:02-1] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k ^l ^m ⁿ ^o ^p ^q ^r ^s ^t ^u Tanner, Harold M. (2025). War in Modern China: A Military History. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-032-46939-3.

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