Minifigure – Chinese Beiyang Army Infantry WWI (LEGO Compatible)

Product Overview: WWI Chinese Beiyang Army Infantry Set

(Republic of China – Allied Powers 1917)

This image displays a pair of historical minifigures representing the Beiyang Government Army (North China Army) during the World War I era. They depict the Chinese military forces that aligned with the Allied Powers (The Entente) after declaring war on Germany in 1917.

Here is the breakdown of the two figures, from left to right:

1. The Regular Infantryman (Left Figure)

Specific Name: Beiyang Army Regular Soldier

• Visual Description: This figure represents the standard combat appearance of a Chinese soldier during the early Republic/Warlord Era.

  • Uniform: He wears the iconic Beiyang Blue-Grey Field Tunic and trousers. This distinct color separated Northern Chinese troops from the khaki-wearing Western armies.

  • Collar Insignia: On his collar are Red Rectangular Tabs with yellow/gold numbering (visible as “1-X 12”). In the Beiyang system, red indicated Infantry, and the numbers identified the specific regiment or battalion.

  • Equipment: He is equipped with brown leather Y-Strap Suspenders and standard Mauser Ammunition Pouches on his belt, reflecting the heavy German influence on the Chinese military’s training and gear at the time.

  • Legs: He wears grey Puttees (Leg Wrappings) tied with black cords, standard issue for long marches.

2. The “War Participation Army” Soldier (Right Figure)

Specific Name: “War Participation Army” Vanguard

• Visual Description: This figure depicts a soldier from the specific “War Participation Army” (Canzhan Jun), an elite unit formed in 1917 to fight in WWI.

  • The Sash (Key Feature): The most striking detail is the White Diagonal Sash across his chest featuring black Chinese calligraphy. The text includes “参战” (War Participation), identifying him as a member of this special expeditionary force.

  • Gear Differences: In addition to the standard ammo pouches, he carries a large grey Canvas Bread Bag/Haversack on his left hip for extra field supplies.

  • Expression: He features a Gritted Teeth/Angry Expression, distinct from the calm face of the soldier on the left, suggesting he is in the heat of battle or charging the enemy.

Historical Background

• China in WWI (1917): Under Premier Duan Qirui, the Beiyang Government declared war on Germany and Austria-Hungary in 1917. To show commitment to the Allies, they organized the “War Participation Army” with the intention of sending combat troops to the Western Front.

• The Outcome: While political instability prevented these troops from reaching Europe (China sent laborers, the CLC, instead), this army was fully equipped and trained. It later became the “Frontier Defense Army” and saw action during the Allied Intervention in Siberia (1918–1920) following the Russian Revolution.

• Significance: These figures represent a unique moment when China attempted to assert itself as a modern global power on the stage of the Great War.