Manchukuo was a puppet state established in 1932 in northeastern China, primarily in the region of Manchuria. It was created by the Empire of Japan after their invasion of the area, and it was intended to serve Japanese interests. The state was officially ruled by the last Qing emperor, Puyi, who was installed as its figurehead. The government of Manchukuo was characterized by Japanese military control and significant economic exploitation of local resources. Despite its claims of independence, it was heavily influenced by Japan until the end of World War II in 1945, when the state was dissolved and the region was returned to Chinese control.