History Lesson 05

South East Asia

China is the major player here and is involved in several conflicts from 2012 to 2015.

In brief they are; the recapture of Taiwan, the support of North Korea against South Korea, the trade war with the USA, which turned into a battle with Japan.   

Taiwan Takeover

Even before America was hit with the EMP in fall of 2012, China was attacking Taiwan.  They claimed it was an internal affair, just like the US using troops to squash riots in LA. Although the US had promised to protect Taiwan, domestic affairs quickly went down hill into civil war, so the Pacific Fleet was ordered not to get involved.

Fighting in Taiwan continued for most of 2013, until the island was subjugated.

Trade war in the Pacific

After the Federalists moved the American capital ‘temporarily’ to Hawaii, tensions between China and the US continued to mount. Hawaii having suffered not at all from the EMP, functions as an HQ of all loyal American armed forces. These included US bases:  Japan 51,000 men, South Korea 28,000 men, Hawaii itself 50,000 men. Also three of the four carrier fleets in the Pacific. The other fleet declared for the Constitutionalists and sailed to Alaska.

The fighting started early in 2013, as China’s navy expanded its trade sanctions against the USA. ( Although it was claimed to be part of the dispute over US default on debt, the strangulation of trade was really economic warfare aimed at keeping the US from making a fast recovery. ) Naturally the Americans claimed that China’s actions were illegal and compared the policy of trade restriction to state sponsored piracy.  Soon it was open war.

Although many Asian nations disliked the USA, they were not at all happy with China’s policy which disrupted all Pacific trade. With the North American market effectively dead, many eyes were on South America as a new place to sell the huge volumes of consumer goods sitting around in wear houses.

The critical factor of this war was one of one of military assets, ships and plains. In early 2013, America had the edge, in terms of naval power. But China was shifting to wartime production and building several aircraft carriers at once. It was only a matter of time before they would be able to extend their influence.

Hawaii had a topnotch base, but very little construction ability or raw materials. Unlike the situation in WW2, it could not expect resupply from the continental USA. Although the Federalists controlled all the major West Coast ports, they were only slowly recovering from the infrastructure damage caused by the EMP. Thus Japan would play a vital role in supporting the Americans for the next few years; a fact that made Japan a target.

China’s trade restrictions are soon put in place around Japan too. This was not tolerated by the JDF.

The Korean Conflict

North invades South, after accepting China’s help to keep other nations out of the fight. China commits ships to isolate Korea from outside interference. Although initially confident they can win, South Korea is soon asking for help. America, with a sizable force already on hand, determined if they were losing the fight they would use nukes. 

In 2014 the nukes started flying. The Americans fired on both North Korea and main land China; aiming at industrial centers. NK responded by firing at SK and at Japan. These attacks were impressive but rather random in their targets. ( the city of Osaka is hit at this time ) The Chine’s strikes were more precise and powerful, aimed at military targets; they did serious damage.  

The rest of the world watched in fear, wondering just how extensive the nuclear exchange would be. To the relief of all, there was no tidal wave of missiles. Just like in the Middle East, nukes were used occasionally rather than in a “destroy all” tactic.  

Air India accidental clash

Late in 2013 conflict between India and China occurred around Nepal. It was probably an accident of overly aggressive pilots patrolling the boarder. Air craft exchanged fire and both sides lost a few fighters.  The tension quickly mounted as both sides expected the other to launch an invasion.

India had many advantages, however if suffered from indecisive leadership. China on the other hand, did not want a large land war (at this time) so it used an air strategy that aimed to bomb the hell out of northern India. Chine’s troops took up a defensive role.

 End of Section 05