The Anglo-Japanese alliance: neutrality and support against a second power

The Anglo-Japanese alliance relies on public commitments to deter other powers from intervening against either member. Its first article recognises the independence of China and Korea while setting out British and Japanese interests and the circumstances in which either signatory can act to protect them. The subsequent articles distinguish neutrality in a war involving one opponent from support when more than one power becomes involved. They also restrict separate agreements, require consultation, and specify the agreement's duration and renewal. French entry on Russia's side would therefore change the conditions under which Britain had remained outside the war.