What did Japan do in response to feeling excluded from spheres of influence in China?

Japan's response to feeling excluded from spheres of influence in China was to launch an attack on the Russian Pacific Fleet, notably during the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905). This was a significant turning point for Japan, as it sought to assert itself as a major world power and secure its interests in Asia. By challenging Russia, which was then a dominant player in the region, Japan aimed to demonstrate its military capabilities and secure a foothold in Manchuria and Korea, where it had interests that conflicted with those of Russia and other Western powers.

This aggressive military action was rooted in Japan's desire to be recognized on the global stage and ensure its own imperial ambitions in East Asia. The victory over Russia not only propelled Japan into a position of greater respect among Western nations but also marked the first time an Asian power defeated a European power in modern times, significantly altering the balance of power in the region. This powerful response highlights Japan's shift from isolationism to a more assertive imperialist posture, which was a fundamental aspect of its modernization efforts during the Meiji Restoration.