China

[StHelens]

I have recently started playing World at War. I noticed that there was not much feedback on the list regarding China. My problem is I have played the computer now about 5 times and only once have the Japanese bothered to attack inland China and thus trigger increased production for China. I have bated them buy leaving inland provinces empty or almost empty but to no avail. I feel the Chinese can only be competitive when they have their factories running normally. Any help on how to get more out of China would be appreciated.

Tony Dodd

[JanSorensen]

Tony,

The AI likes to attack the US in late 1941. With that strategy its not wise for the Japanese to attack inland China - so do not expect the computer to do so often. With a human opponent its different - then you often get overrun in China.

[petrosian]

Against a Human opponent all China is useful for is to bleed a few supplies and units off of Japan. It has no use other than that.

[G McVittie]

Historically, China had little impact on the war; it would be wrong to design a historical wargame where China could have a powerful influence.  Having said that, China can have a minor effect.  If the Japanese player (Human or AI) follows the designer's advice and does NOT attack inland China, then China can sit quietly and try to dodge the bullet (the bullet, in this case, being Japanese bomber attacks).  Once Japan turns east and south and attacks the Frozen Regions, they will soon need everything they can muster to defend their empire against the Wallies.  China will be able to recover (slowly).  Then China may be able to participate in a late-war offensive against the coastal regions.  Lots of fun.
If the Japanese do invade China (inland China), China is probably "toast".  But so what?  It will not help Japan win the war.  Any distraction of the Axis can only help the Allied cause.  And meanwhile, China, at "full production" (4 PP every turn!) and with fresh militia appearing every time Japan invades a new Chinese populated region, can become more of a hassle than Japan might have bargained for.  Otherwise, China should be considered not much different from Sweden, Spain, or Turkey.