Abstract. The Yalu River forest played a key role in the changes in the ecological environment and the reshaping of border order in Northeast Asia in modern times. For about ten years from 1895 to 1904, the Russian Geographical Society, the General Staff, and the Ministry of Finance dispatched numerous expedition teams to the Yalu River border. Along with forest researches on the border, Russia simultaneously “managed” the Yalu River forest business. Forest development on both sides of the Yalu River has become the focus of Russia’s attention in East Asia. At the same time, Russian military activities under the cover of the forestry cause aroused Japan’s vigilance. As the current situation changes, the Yalu River forest issue has become an important means for Japan’s “war par ty” to incite war sentiments. Japan has used this to successfully shape international public opinion on the “Russo-Japanese War” and present a “forced defense” posture. The Japan-Russia game ultimately led to the outbreak of war for multiple reasons, but the Yalu River forest issue was also an important inducing factor.
From the perspective of global history, this paper explores the inter twining of colonialism, imperialism and nationalism on the Yalu River border zone, thus presenting a forest history that transcends national boundaries.
Key words: Yalu River Forest, expedition activities, Russian-Japanese War, global history.