 In order to preserve their influence, Japan supported Zhang Zuolin as long as it benefited them.Sir Charles Elliot, British ambassador to Japan, noted that the Japanese, "while anxious to keep on good terms with Chang Tso-lin, thought it unwise to commit themselves unreservedly to the support of any one Chinese party.”

The Soviet Union, determined to retake the Chinese Eastern Railway and recover their influence in China, threatened Zhang Zuolin that they would recognize other warlords.The Soviets reached out to Zhang Zuolin in 1920 and 1921 in order to discuss Mongolia and the Chinese Eastern Railway, but Zhang maintained that he wanted to retake Outer Mongolia as soon as he could.