Zhang Xueliang

Zhang Xueliang inherited command of the Fengtian Army after his father Zhang Zuolin was assassinated by the Japanese. He became the Young Marshal and controlled Manchuria, one of China's most strategic regions.

Zhang Xueliang declared allegiance to the Nationalist government by replacing the Fengtian flag with the Kuomintang flag in Manchuria. This act nominally unified China under Chiang Kai-shek's rule and ended the warlord era in the northeast.

Zhang Xueliang's forces withdrew from Manchuria following the Mukden Incident, allowing Japan to occupy the region. His decision not to resist led to the establishment of Manchukuo and widespread criticism of his leadership.

Zhang Xueliang kidnapped Chiang Kai-shek in Xi'an to force him to form a united front against Japan. The incident ended with Chiang's release and the establishment of the Second United Front between the KMT and CCP.

After the Xi'an Incident, Zhang Xueliang was placed under house arrest by Chiang Kai-shek. He remained in captivity for over 50 years, first in mainland China and later in Taiwan, until his release in 1990.