The Jinan incident arose amidst rising tensions between Japan and China, particularly concerning Japanese influence in China during the 1920s. On May 3, 1928, twelve Japanese civilians, including shopkeepers and families, were killed in Jinan, a city located in Shandong province, by Chinese troops. This incident was attributed to the chaotic political environment in China, as various warlord factions struggled for dominance. The immediate aftermath saw Japan dispatch military forces to Jinan in retaliation. In an aggressive show of power, Japanese troops began a systematic campaign against the local Chinese population, leading to widespread violence over the following days.

The Japanese military's response was severe, as they targeted not only the individuals responsible for the initial attack but also innocent civilians in Jinan and surrounding areas. Reports estimate that over 2,000 Chinese civilians lost their lives within a week of the incident. Property was destroyed, and neighborhoods were ravaged, as Japanese forces sought to exert control over the situation. The violence highlighted the fragile state of Sino-Japanese relations and the willingness of both sides to resort to conflict amidst the ongoing power struggles within China.

The incident served as a catalyst for the further militarization of Japan’s policies in China, contributing to the escalating conflict that would define Sino-Japanese relations in the coming years. It also sparked significant outrage and protests within China, call for retribution and a united front against foreign aggression. The event marked a turning point that deepened nationalistic sentiment in China and foreshadowed future confrontations.