Editing Zhang Xueliang (section)

==Early 1930s==

After retreating from Manchuria, Zhang and the Northeastern Army took up defensive positions along the Great Wall in [[Rehe]].{{sfn|Taylor|2009|p=99}} During this time, Zhang sponsored China's first participation in the [[1932 Summer Olympics|Olympic Games]].{{sfn|Zhao|2023|p=95}}

The Japanese [[Battle of Rehe|attacked Zhang again in 1933]], and after a weak resistance, Zhang was denied reinforcements from the central government and had to retreat further south.{{sfn|Taylor|2009|p=99}} He resigned his posts, underwent treatment for his opium addiction, and left for a year-long exile in Europe.{{sfn|Taylor|2009|p=100}} When Zhang returned in January 1934, he sought to regain his position in charge of the Northeastern Army. However, this was strongly opposed by both the Japanese and some Nationalist leaders critical of his failure to stop the Japanese advance. Chiang therefore reassigned him to an anti-Communist force in Wuhan, alienating Zhang and the other leaders of the Northeastern Army.{{sfn|Coble|1991|pp=150-151}} Over the next year, Zhang became a more outspoken critic of Chiang's policy of appeasement towards Japan.{{sfn|Coble|1991|pp=224}} He continued to pressure Chiang to reappoint him as head of the Northeastern Army, with the hope that he could use the force to fight the Japanese. On October 2, 1935, Chiang granted to Zhang's request, but only because he needed the Northeastern Army's support to crush the final Communist base at Yan'an.{{sfn|Coble|1991|pp=224-225}}