Early in this period, the Japanese government recognized that challenging China's claim over Korea would antagonize the Qing and jeopardize their own regional standing. 2. Key Diplomatic Crises
Britain remained officially neutral, though the sinking of the Kowshing (a British-owned ship carrying Chinese troops) by the Japanese Navy nearly caused a diplomatic crisis.
Prior to the First Sino-Japanese War, the was recognized by both Britain and Japan as the strongest regional power.
China maintained its traditional role as the suzerain (overlord) of the region, particularly over Korea .