The Northeast People's Counter-Japanese Volunteer Army[1][citation needed] was led by Tang Juwu, formerly the commander of a Northeastern infantry regiment, interned by the Japanese at the beginning of the invasion of Manchuria.
It was created by the Northeast National Salvation Society that had appointed Tang as commander following his escape from the Japanese, and helped him link with the local forces which others were organising.
Tang also made use of his personal contacts with police chiefs, officials, local gentry militias and the leaders of the Big Swords Society.
The Japanese were unable to defeat Tang, and his force threatened the region to the east of the important city of Mukden and communications with Korea.
After the defection of the Manchukuoan 37th Route commander Wang Yongcheng, Tang Juwu was able to break through the Japanese encirclement to the west and escape.