Toadobunkai stood on the ground strongly influenced by Asianism, and closely cooperated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the military to protect China, Korea and interests of Japan, then led cultural and political activities related to China including establishment of Nankindobunshoin (a school in Nanjing, later became Toadobunshoin and then Aichi University).
東亜同文会はアジア主義的色彩の強い立場に立脚し、中国・朝鮮の保護と日本の権益保護のため、外務省・軍部と密接に提携しながら、1900年（明治33年）に南京同文書院（後の東亜同文書院、その後身愛知大学）を設立するなど対中政治・文化活動の推進を図っていく。