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The March 1st Independence Movement began on March 1st, 1919 and went on for a few months. It swept the entire nation and even spread to other countries. It is regarded that the movement had a significant impact on the May 4st Movement in China, independence movements in Southeast Asia, and even in Egypt. In particular, the March 1st Movement was one of the factors that played a key role in the May 4th Movement. This can be seen from the fact that newspapers (《Shenbao(申報)》•《Gongyanbao(公言報) 》•《Minguoribao(民國日報) 》) and magazines ( 《Meizhoupinglun(每週評論) 》•《Xinchao(新潮) 》 《Jianshe(建設) 》•《Guomin(國民) 》•《Taipingyang(太平洋) 》•《Chenbaofukan(晨報副刊) 》) carried many articles and editorials about the March 1st Movement.

In addition, Chen Duxiu (陳獨秀), a Chinese intellectual who led the New Culture Movement (新文化運動), placed an article in 《Meizhoupinglun(每週評論) 》 (March 23, 1919) titled "Impressions of Joseon Independence Movement". In this article, he highly regarded the March 1st Movement and called for Chinese' enlightenment and earnest efforts. Zhou Enlai (周恩來) actively took part in the May 4th Movement, and wrote in "Tianjin Students' Association Newsletter" (July 1919) – "Joseon's independence movement, together with the May 4th Movement, is affected by new global trends, and it led to the awakening of other countries in East Asia." His interesting and meaningful remarks express a sense of solidarity.

Professor Geng Yunzhi (耿雲志) of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, a renowned expert on Chinese modern history, applauded the March 1st Movement, saying that it deeply inspired young Chinese people and progressive press. He also mentioned that Chinese revolutionary leader, Sun Wen (孫文), pointed out that Chinese people should aim higher and provide support for Korea's independence movement.

Some Chinese scholars put less emphasis on the impact of the March 1st Movement on the May 4th Movement, and instead, stress the fact that the March 1st Movement inspired Chinese intellectual, students and press, and served as a catalyst for Korea and China to join forces and fight against foreign powers and Imperialist invasion together. This is somewhat different from the perspectives of most Korean scholars, but in any case, it is clear that the two independence movements are closely related to each other. For example, Professor Geng Wenzhi emphasizes that after the March 1st Movement, Korea and China formed closer and stronger alliance and fought against Imperial Japan.

It is indisputable that the March 1st Movement heavily influenced the May 4th Movement. As is the case with the March 1st Movement, however, the most important factor in the May 4th Movement is resistance to imperialist invasion and corruption in military forces in China. We should keep in mind that intellectuals and citizens of Korea and China helped each other and formed alliance against foreign powers, and pursue peaceful co-existence in Northeast Asia.