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Why did the May Fourth Movement in China oppose Japan’s claims in Shandong?

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Map showing the territorial expansion of the Japanese Empire from 1870 to 1942 across East and Southeast Asia and the Pacific. The map uses color codes to indicate the original Japanese territory in 1870, subsequent acquisitions, and the farthest extent of Japanese occupation and conquest by 1942, including parts of China, Korea, Manchuria, Southeast Asia, and numerous Pacific islands. An inset map displays the broader reach of Japanese control at its peak. — Empire of Japan The Empire of Japan, 1870–1942.

The May Fourth Movement opposed Japan’s claims in Shandong primarily because the Paris Peace Conference decided to transfer former German concessions in the province to Japan rather than restoring them to China following World War I.12

This decision deeply angered the Chinese public, who had expected the return of their territory. The opposition was fueled by several key factors:2

Nationalist Sentiment: Many Chinese, particularly students, were inspired by ideals of self-determination and were stunned that the Allied powers validated Japan’s occupation instead of supporting Chinese sovereignty.2
History of Encroachment: Japan had previously forced China to recognize its special position in Shandong through the Twenty-one Demands in 1915, a move that had already significantly increased anti-Japanese sentiment.32
Government Acquiescence: The Chinese government’s willingness to accept the conference’s decision and its secret agreements with Japan regarding loans and concessions led to widespread protests, strikes, and boycotts against Japanese goods.12

Ultimately, the movement served as a catalyst for a broader intellectual and political revolution, leading to the dismissal of pro-Japanese officials and China's refusal to sign the peace treaty with Germany.1