---
title: "Fengtian Clique Definition and Overview | Model Diplomat"
description: "The Fengtian clique was a Manchuria-based faction led by Zhang Zuolin, dominating north-eastern China during the warlord era (1916–1928)."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/fengtian-clique"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The Fengtian clique was a Manchuria-based militarist faction led by Zhang Zuolin that dominated north-eastern China and twice seized Beijing during the warlord era (1916–1928).
- Who founded and led the Fengtian clique?
- What were the Zhili–Fengtian Wars?
- How did the Fengtian clique end?
- What was the clique's relationship with Japan?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

The Fengtian clique was a Manchuria-based militarist faction led by Zhang Zuolin that dominated north-eastern China and twice seized Beijing during the warlord era (1916–1928).

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## Timeline

1. 4 June 1928

   As the Nationalist armies advanced north, Zhang Zuolin withdrew from Beijing toward Manchuria; on he was killed when his train was bombed at Huanggutun outs…

2. 29 December 1928

   His son Zhang Xueliang (the "Young Marshal") succeeded him and, in the Northeast Flag Replacement (東北易幟) of , declared allegiance to the Nationalist governme…

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Example

In June 1928, Japan's Kwantung Army assassinated Fengtian clique leader Zhang Zuolin in the Huanggutun Incident, prompting his son Zhang Xueliang to align Manchuria with the Nationalist government that December.

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