Japan's invasion of China in the 1930s was driven by a desire to expand its territory and gain access to China's natural resources, such as coal and iron. Japan also sought to establish a puppet state in China that would be under its control and serve as a buffer zone against the Soviet Union.
The invasion began with the Marco Polo Bridge Incident in 1937, which marked the start of the Second Sino-Japanese War. The conflict lasted for several years and resulted in widespread devastation and loss of life in China.
Japan's aggression in China was condemned by the international community, and the United States and other countries imposed economic sanctions on Japan in response. The conflict ultimately played a significant role in the lead-up to World War II.