Hideyoshi's major ambition is to conquer China, and in 1592, with an army of two hundred thousand troops, he invades Korea, at this time a Chinese vassal state.

His armies quickly overrun the peninsula before losing momentum in the face of a combined Korean-Chinese force.

During peace talks Hideyoshi demands a division of Korea, free-trade status, and a Chinese princess as consort for the emperor.

The equality with China sought by Japan is rebuffed by the Chinese and peace efforts end.

In 1597 a second invasion is begun, but it abruptly ends with Hideyoshi's death in 1598.