Manchukuo

Manchukuo was a puppet state established by Japan in 1932 in northeastern China (Manchuria) after invading the region. Officially declared an independent monarchy with Pu Yi, the last Qing emperor, as its ruler, Manchukuo served Japanese strategic and economic interests, particularly in resource-rich Manchuria. Although it claimed independence, it was heavily controlled by Japan, functioning mainly to justify military expansion and resource extraction. The state existed until 1945, when Japan's defeat in World War II led to its dissolution and the region returning under Chinese control.