wanted to emulate the successes of the 'Meiji Revolution'. The latter started an insurrection, the suppression of which was entrusted to an expeditionary force sent by the Chinese Empire. Japan reacted by sending its own troops to the peninsula, which captured the Korean ruler and imposed a pro-Japanese government. Mutsu entrusted the delicate matter to Otori Keisuke, Minister Plenipotentiary in Korea, but he dismissed a British naval instructor in the service of the Koreans from his position. This action led to a dangerous stalemate, as on 14 July 1894 Britain refused to sign the treaty unless it was first given clarification on the Korean question and the treatment of its officer. Mutsu, cornered, wasted no time and in the following days intensified his efforts to avoid disaster. The signature of the Treaty On 16 July 1894, however, contrary to all expectations, the Anglo-Japanese Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation was signed by the British authorities. For the first time, Japan was recognised as a Great Power peer. See also History of Japanese foreign relations Japan–United Kingdom relations List of Ambassadors of the United Kingdom to Japan Extraterritoriality References Further reading Sources 1894 in the United Kingdom 1894 in Japan Japan–United Kingdom treaties Treaties of the United Kingdom (1801–1922) 1894 treaties Treaties of the Empire of Japan July 1894 events