Shanxi clique

The Shanxi clique was a small and self-sufficient clique founded by Yan Xishan, the military governor of Shanxi province. It is based at the province's capital city of Taiyuan. Faced with the relative poverty of Shanxi, Yan’s government policies enabled his populace to thrive and prosper amidst war and chaos. It has in fact become a “model” province. This clique boasted to have the only domestic armament factory in China to produce heavy artillery and machine guns. Yan is a capable governor and negotiator. When Yuan Shikai’s Beiyang Army seized much of the province, Yan successfully negotiated his way into regaining his position. However, he applies his skills sparingly, choosing not to formally ally with any of the surrounding cliques.