Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere
The Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere (GEACPS) is a diplomatic measure in Asia that is projected as an anti-colonial measure in Asia. It was established after the Empire of Japan successfully defeated Russia during the Russo-German War, effectively reinstating Japan as a leading world power.
Purpose
While the purpose of the GEACPS is stated as being a measure to protect Asian nations from European colonial efforts and extorsion, it is seen by many nations as nothing more than Japanese hegemony over the continent. Being proclaimed as a similar measure as the Continental Ordinance in the Americas, the signatories denounce any European colonization in Asia and demand immediate end to any occupation by European forces.
To this end, The Empire of Japan compelled the governments of the Republic of Indonesia, as well as convinced the government of Siam to sign the agreement as well. As Indonesia was greatly under Japanese influence after their independence from the Kingdom of Holland, Siam wished to gain territory that was held by Spain in Indochina and Anglo-Irish Empire in Burma. Japan had extended an invitation to India following the enactment of the latters dominionship within the Anglo-Irish Empire. Additionally, since they housed a large portion of the Japanese Pacific Fleet, the Kingdom of Hawaii was offered a role in the GEACPS, enshrining their sovereignty from the Europeans and Americans.
Document Structure
Clauses
Japan, under the conditions of the Great War, was incapable of annexing territories outright. Therefore, the signatories of the treaty were upheld as independent nations cooperating under a shared ideology. Japan became the leading force in Asia, and the main proponent of anti-colonialism within the Asian continent. The treaty conditions went as far to to demand the expulsion of Spain from Indochina, though Spain had largely vacated the region during their civil war. Nonetheless, the conditions united the governments, militaries, and resources towards this endeavor.
Caveats
Despite the professed intentions being to expel European colonists from the continent of Asia, many of the provisions instead surrendered much of the sovereignty and resources of the signatories over to the Empire of Japan. Many critics accused Japan of entering in unequal treaties that they themselves accused the European powers of conducting in the first place. Even friendly nations such as the German Empire protested the treaty as they were afraid of losing their own colonies in Guinea.
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