On July 1 he announced an armistice with the National Revolutionary Army and proclaimed that he would not interfere with the reunification. The Japanese were dissatisfied with the move and demanded Zhang to proclaim the independence of Manchuria. He refused the Japanese demand and proceeded with unification matters.
On July 1st, he announced a truce with the National Revolutionary Army and pledged not to hinder reunification. However, the Japanese were displeased and demanded that Zhang proclaim the independence of Manchuria.  He declined this request and proceeded with his plans for unifying China.