China vs. Japan

[Atlantikwall]

Hello,

first question: under what exact conditions does either USA or Eastern Soviet Uníon enter war with Japan?

- I read that JAP could attack chinese coastal provinces without pulling USA in immediate status of war. This would be the two provinces next to Hongkong, right? And Siam can be attacked without risking a confict.

- About Eastern SU: I read that JAP has to maintain some forces in Manchuria (3 units, right?) and Corea (1 unit only?) to keep Easten SU frozen. In one game, Manchuria was attacked by the WA to bring SU into war. Does ANY attack bring Eastern SU into war, or only if the japanese army there is reduced to a certain amount of units (let`s say 2)?

- What effect does JAP have on US production. I read somewhere that US production is increased anyway in 1942 even if the are not in war with JAP yet. Are production gains "cummulative", so it JAP declares war on USA in 1942, does USA get a "double-bonus" (one from increased production in 1942 and the other from beeing in status of war)? If not, the I assume that a attack on the USA in 1941 is suicidal (as it immediately boots US-economy from a 1 to a 3 multiplier), but a 1942 attck has not that severe imapct (puming up production "only" from 2 to 3)

Concering strategy: In the game reports I read, JAP hardly attacked any chinese territories even later if in war with USA. Are there not any games at playtesting where JAP launghed a successfull offensive in Siberia or eliminated China?

[Joel Billings]

ORIGINAL: Atlantikwall

Hello,

first question: under what exact conditions does either USA or Eastern Soviet Uníon enter war with Japan?

- I read that JAP could attack chinese coastal provinces without pulling USA in immediate status of war. This would be the two provinces next to Hongkong, right? And Siam can be attacked without risking a confict.

They can attack inland in China and Siam without USA going to war, however they will lose the resource gifts that the USA gives Japan prior to Summer 41 if they do so. Japan has to attack one of the enemy areas in the Pacific (including certain sea zones) to bring the USA into the war. Otherwise, the US enters in 1943.

- About Eastern SU: I read that JAP has to maintain some forces in Manchuria (3 units, right?) and Corea (1 unit only?) to keep Easten SU frozen. In one game, Manchuria was attacked by the WA to bring SU into war. Does ANY attack bring Eastern SU into war, or only if the japanese army there is reduced to a certain amount of units (let`s say 2)?

Eastern SU goes to war in the east if 1) East SU is attacked 2) Manchuria garrison falls below 3 3) The turn after Germany surrenders.

- What effect does JAP have on US production. I read somewhere that US production is increased anyway in 1942 even if the are not in war with JAP yet. Are production gains "cummulative", so it JAP declares war on USA in 1942, does USA get a "double-bonus" (one from increased production in 1942 and the other from beeing in status of war)?

The modifiers are as follows and are not cumulative (the largest multiplier is the one used if several apply):
x1 1940 and 1941
x2 1942 or if Russia at war with Japan
x3 if US is at war
x4 if 1943 or later

Concering strategy: In the game reports I read, JAP hardly attacked any chinese territories even later if in war with USA. Are there not any games at playtesting where JAP launghed a successfull offensive in Siberia or eliminated China?

Yes, several. I've taken all of China before (but it ties down tons of garrison troops. I've also launched a Japanese offensive on Russia simultaneously with a German attack in 1941. This led to a Decisive Axis victory in one PBEM game. Attacking China later on may make sense as a spoiling attack to weaken the threat of Chinese armies massing near Japanese areas. However, the best strategy is to use Japanese airpower to attrition Chinese forces early on.

[Atlantikwall]

ORIGINAL: Joel Billings
However, the best strategy is to use Japanese airpower to attrition Chinese forces early on

Could you tell me the reason (if it won`t bring USA into status of war, nor this will end sending ressources to JAP), why in the trial games (after action reports) nobody attacked the two coastal provinces of China early with its japanese forces from Shantung/Shanghai and Hongkong together with a huge amphibious assault supported by air and navy? Or was it just imcompetent japanese play[;)]?

[Joel Billings]

ORIGINAL: Atlantikwall

ORIGINAL: Joel Billings
However, the best strategy is to use Japanese airpower to attrition Chinese forces early on

Could you tell me the reason (if it won`t bring USA into status of war, nor this will end sending ressources to JAP), why in the trial games (after action reports) nobody attacked the two coastal provinces of China early with its japanese forces from Shantung/Shanghai and Hongkong together with a huge amphibious assault supported by air and navy? Or was it just imcompetent japanese play[;)]?

Bad play. One area has a resource center and should be taken. The other does not, and since it costs supplies to garrison against partisans, it may be best not to take it. Taking it does open a rail link with Indochina however, so there is a benefit to taking it.

[Atlantikwall]

ORIGINAL: MButtazoni

The Ausies in Malaya launched an invasion into Manchuria and reduced the garrison below 3 combat troops, and we all know what happens when the Manchurian garrison is not maintained:



All that's left is for some Russian troops to move in and claim the 3 Resources and a Factory.

When is Central SU (e.g. Kazakstan, Novosibirsk) activated?

[Joel Billings]

Whenever Russia is attacked by anyone or in 1943 or if Axis attack Turkey, Afghanistan or Northern Persia.

[Atlantikwall]

ORIGINAL: Joel Billings

They can attack inland in China and Siam without USA going to war, however they will lose the resource gifts that the USA gives Japan prior to Summer 41 if they do so. Japan has to attack one of the enemy areas in the Pacific (including certain sea zones) to bring the USA into the war. Otherwise, the US enters in 1943

Does JAP loose the resource gift, too, when they attack "only" the SU?

With "inland attacks" you mean regular ground attacks? Aerial attacks against China are possible without loosing the gift, right?

[paullus99]

Correct - air attacks don't count for the inland rule. Also, as Japan - you loose all the gifts from the US if you attack the Soviet Union.