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Chapter VIII: To Swallow a Sun
"In order to conquer the world, we must first conquer China."
-Tanaka Giichi, Foreign Minister of Japan
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State of the World 1944
The victorious Central Powers held a conference to redraw the continent. Austria was to return some lands to Switzerland. The Italian federation was built up again, this time without the Papacy in it, and under the Austrian control. The Kingdom of Normandy, and Kingdom of Brittany were re-establish again with their respective kings before the British invasion. Britain, after 137 years of union, was finally destroyed and divided into three nations. Wales was upgrade into a kingdom from a mere principality, and so, there are now three kingdoms in Britain; all of which are now ruled by a German noble each hand-picked by the Kaiser. And Ukraine was setup as a nation again. But the issue on who will be the king became a heated discussion between Germany and Austria. Ukraine existed in chaos without a government until the 12th of October where the Orthodox Church stepped in and took power with the people's support. Germany and Austria saw this as a good compromise, and let Ukraine be under a dual-rule of the Metropolitan, and the Patriarch.
(Note: Map provided below)
The agenda on what is suppose to be done on the neutral Syndicalist country, CNT-FAI, was also put into the table. The German-backed Royalists holed up in Gibraltar was active and passionate on bring war on the Syndicalists. The Royalists won the alliance's minds, and war was declared in the 12th of October 1943.
By December 9, the Syndicalists were pushed with their backs against the wall. All they have left is Barcelona. After 5 days of urban fighting, the city was captured and CNT-FAI was defeated. The victorious Royalists sent the Carlists into the prisons, destroying whatever power the pretender faction has.
The American state have defeated Mexico and took back all the lands the Syndicalist nation took during the Second American Civil War. The regime is now replaced with a military strongman to keep the peace, and to shape Mexico into the corporativist system the Americans uses.
A new atomic research facility was opened up in an undisclosed location. Also, a new carrier model was developed. Hopefully, this model will be produced when Nanjing orders a third battle fleet.
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Grand Strategy Review 1944
Himalaya
First off, the Himalayan states of Bhutan and Nepal. These two ancient states have remained unchanged in the world affairs ever since the birth of the Middle Republic. However, they are attractive targets for their southern neighbours who are eager to invade these countries in the name of Pan-Indianism.
Review Conclusion
Nanjing has no political desire nor the rightful justification to use hard diplomacy or military power to these states. It also does not have the will to protect these states from their southern neighbours.
India
The Republic of Chennai is a small Indian republic, and is not a strategic priority to China. It is engulfed by the Bharitya Commune. The only conclusion to be given was its preservation if war between China and Bharitya were to happen.
The Indian state of Delhi have carved a geopolitical hegemony on Central Asia. Stopping China on her tracks if she wishes to spread her influence westward. These, colloquial known as, “Tartar States” would be valuable assets if conflict with their Syndicalist neighbour becomes reality.
The other Indian state is the Bharitya Commune, the main sponsor of several Syndicalist insurgencies in the Far East. They have successfully conquered the Princely Federation in the southern tip of the Indian region. Now they set their sights on Delhi. Delhi have made some counter-measures such as building up allies in Central Asia, and sponsoring anti-Syndicalist elements in Bharitya.
Review Conclusion
The wreckage of the balance between Delhi and Bharitya would result in a significant regional Pan-Indian power that can act as a counter-balance against China. The pacification of these two Indian countries is imperative. But unfortunately, there are higher priorities than these.
Indochina
The most belligerent country in the region was, no doubt, the People's Republic of Vietnam. Ridiculous as it sounds, it is the only nation that defeated Germany. Headed by Ho Chi Min, they, along with Bharitya Commune, are reported to sponsor Syndicalist elements in Burma and Siam.
Review Conclusion
While weak against Chinese power, Vietnam are allied with the Indian state. Thus, it would be more appropriate to fight this Syndicalist power only if we are in the position to wage war with Bharitya Commune too. As for Burma and Siam, there are no geopolitical measures required aside from the improvement of our relations with these countries.
Down Under
Indonesia was granted its semi-independent structure by the Dutch during the Black Monday, or now known as the Great Depression. The Dutch East Indies have been a financial burden, and the economic crisis broke the budget's back. The Dutch weren't that eager to leave, and so the massive colony was given semi-independence.
The Australasia Confederation was a collection of former British colonies, merged together into a confederation to prevent instability. Ironically, it was this very confederation that made the colonies unstable. Germany came into the picture, and sponsored a pro-Germany coup. The Confederation is now a loyal and stable ally of the Kaiserreich in the Far East.
Review Conclusion
While it is in China's best interests to kick the European colonists out of the Far East, Nanjing has no proper justification to attack Indonesia. So it is of low priority. However, it is decided that the outlook on the Dutch colony would be re-evaluated once a cause for war has been found against Indonesia. And as for Australasia, this country is very far from Chinese reach, and was given a low priority too. Conflict with this country will only be met if Germany is at war, thus it is safe to ignore Australasia.
South China Sea
There are three countries of interest in the South China Sea: The Japanese protectorate of Taiwan, the Republic of the Philippines, and the rebelling colony of Sarawak. The Japanese puppet state was given autonomy during the past rebellion in Korea to satisfy the Chinese living in Taiwan. It is still under the rule of the Japanese Empire. Philippines, despite being a pro-Germany country, is a neutral one. It is no longer a colony of the United States. Thus, there is no proper justification nor desire from Nanjing to invade. Lastly, Sarawak is a British colony later handed over the Germany after the Great War. This now German colony rebelled against their European masters.
Review Conclusion
This area is a high priority target. Taiwan is Chinese land and must be China's. Taiwanese domestic autonomy does not change this fact. Philippines and Sarawak are also vital targets that is to be turned over to the Chinese sphere if the Republic wants to expand her influence in South-East Asia and beyond. There is no opening moves on the invasion of the Philippines, but Sarawak is an unrecognised nation and China can militarily intervene in Sarawak.
European Concessions in China
Only two European powers left that possesses Chinese land: Germany and Portugal. Portugal hold Macao, but has no means to defend it if we take it by force. Germany, on the other hand, is the ultimate victor of the two European wars; the Great War and the recent war against the Syndicalists. It has forward presence in the Far East, and can defend her concessions. Tianjin and Qingdao on the north, and Haikou on the south. What is dangerous is that one of these concessions, Tianjin, is right next to Beijing, one of the vital cities in China. If war flared between China and Germany, Beijing will be on the frontlines.
Review Conclusion
Highly important but of medium priority. True, Chinese land must be China's, and the expulsion of foreign rule in the Republic is of utmost importance. But China is in no position to fight Germany while more dangerous neighbours are present in her midst. It is also concluded that the recent victor of the Syndicalist-Mitteleuropa War, Germany, too is in no position to fight a war, let alone a war halfway across the world. Thus, this gives China the chance to ignore Germany for now. As for Macao, Nanjing is content on applying diplomatic pressure on Portugal to give it back, but won't hesitate on declaring war.
Japanese Empire
Japan is China's most dangerous enemy. This only made it more obvious after the defeat of Russia. It has holdings in Manchuria, and in Korea. It has forces that are aimed towards China. Japan also has the best naval force in this region. After the Korean rebellion, Japan setted a Korean zone in Seoul which allows a semi-autonomous control.
Transamur is a client state of the Japanese Empire. It began expanding westward during the chaos in Russia during the late 30s. Her neighbour Siberia, our loyal ally, is keen on vengeance, and the return of her rightful lands.
Review Conclusion
Highest priority. War against Japan is inevitable. Preparations must be made for the liberation of the Chinese, Korean, and Siberian people living under the Japanese jackboot. A battle fleet to fight the IJN must be arrange.
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