Germany's squadron supported a coaling base and commercial foothold at Tsingtao, also known as Qingdao, on Jiaozhou Bay. China offered a market for foreign manufactured goods, which helped make the station attractive to German commercial interests. Rival imperial squadrons and Alfred von Tirpitz's earlier command also shaped the naval commitment. The killing of two German Catholic priests in the Juye incident provided an opportunity for expansion. Wilhelm II overrode caution from the chancellor and ordered action, connecting imperial ambition to the acquisition of an overseas base.
Chapter · 22:52-28:50
Why Germany based a cruiser squadron in East Asia
The origins of the East Asia Squadron connect Germany's leased base at Jiaozhou Bay to commercial ambition, imperial prestige, and Tirpitz's naval expansion.