What declaration issued by the United States, Britain, and China demanded Japan's surrender in July 1945?

The Potsdam Declaration demanded Japan's surrender when it was issued by the United States, Britain, and China in July 1945.

Released on July 26, 1945, the declaration called on Japan to proclaim the unconditional surrender of its armed forces. It warned that rejecting the terms would bring prompt and utter destruction. The statement also outlined occupation, disarmament, war-crimes accountability, and limits on Japan's future sovereignty.

The declaration followed the Potsdam Conference, where Allied leaders met near Berlin after Germany's defeat. The Soviet Union did not initially sign it because it was not yet at war with Japan; Soviet leader Joseph Stalin later agreed to its terms after declaring war on Japan on August 8.

Japan's government did not immediately accept the declaration. After the atomic bombings, the Soviet entry into the war, and internal political debate, Emperor Hirohito ordered acceptance of its terms. The Japanese Instrument of Surrender later incorporated the declaration as the basis for capitulation.