Which Chinese leader co-issued the Potsdam Declaration on July 26, 1945?

Chiang Kai-shek co-issued the Potsdam Declaration on July 26, 1945.

The declaration was an Allied statement demanding Japan’s surrender and outlining the consequences of continued resistance. It was issued in the names of United States President Harry S. Truman, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and Chinese leader Chiang Kai-shek. The Soviet Union was not yet a signatory when the declaration was released.

Its language warned Japan of “prompt and utter destruction” if it refused to surrender. The document also stated that Japanese sovereignty would be limited to the home islands of Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku, and other islands designated by the Allies. It called for the disarmament of Japanese forces.

Japan’s government initially did not accept the ultimatum publicly. After the atomic bombings, the Soviet declaration of war, and intense internal debate, Japan accepted the declaration’s terms. Hirohito announced that decision on August 15, and representatives later signed the surrender instrument on September 2.