China...an historical perspective

[Cheesehead]

When I first read about WaW I was surprised to see that China would operate as a separate power. Strange, thought I. Then I realized I knew very little about China and the CBI (China-India-Burma) theater during WWII. Maybe they had good historical reasons for making China a separate power. So I went to my library and looked for a book on China in WWII. Picked out Barbara Tuchman's book "Stillwell and the American Experience in China, 1911-1945." Excellent book, respected author. Turns out my initial reaction was right on. The reason I didn't know much about the CBI is because nothing much happened there of any strategic significance. China, as a military power, was a joke. While the soldiers were brave and capable, there was no leadership of any kind. Good NCO's and officers were virtually non-existent. The few capable officers they had were undercut by Chiang Kai-Shek. Stillwell was the most frustrated general officer in the entire war. The Communists in the north were willing to fight, but because of politics in both China and the US, we were unable to supply or arm them. The thousands of tons of supply we did poor into Chunking were wasted as Chiang horded everything for his future war against the Communists after Japan was defeated by the Western Allies. In light of this, the only reason for including China as a separate fighting entity in WaW must be for play balance. It can in no way reflect historical reality. Sure 1 million Japanese troops were tied down garrisoning China, but they were never challenged by the Chinese "army" in any way. I'm not a play tester and I haven't been following the AARs so I don't know what WaW does with the Chinese forces...but I hope they are not capable of being anything more than a nuisance to Japan. Comments welcome.

[paullus99]

Definitely check out the AAR's - China can be a pest to the Japanese if they do not garrison their areas properly & the Japanese can really put the hurt on the Chinese (with airpower especially) if they want to.

In general, the Chinese are very isolated & produce little in the way of supplies....so offensive actions by them will be few and far between. Changes are being made to allow either the Western Allies or the Soviet Player to control the Chinese. You will see more 4 person PBEM's than 5 person I'm sure.

[Murat]

Well this is the position I have been supporting. This game is easy to make into a great 5 player game, just take out China and split the WA into Britain and US. Hell, the ANZACS or the Canadians would make more sense than China as a player.

[Joel Billings]

ORIGINAL: Murat

Well this is the position I have been supporting. This game is easy to make into a great 5 player game, just take out China and split the WA into Britain and US. Hell, the ANZACS or the Canadians would make more sense than China as a player.

I think you would change your mind if you understand the system we use regarding unit ratings. See my post regarding China in the Game Balance thread.

[meyerg]

At least China will be more fun to play in WAW than in Axis and Allies.
greg