武漢作戦
The 17th Division was resurrected in 1938. At this time, it was formed as a triangular division as part of the general military buildup after the start of the Second Sino-Japanese War. Initially the "17th division" was used to replace the transferred 10th division within the China Expeditionary Army, and participated in the Battle of Wuhan. Elements of the division were recalled to Japan in July 1940, while the rest garrisoned the Xuzhou area until relieved by 65th Division.