[TGLS]

Question 26
China's throat currently lies under the boot heels of a number of different external powers. Which powers control what sections of China, and how does conflict between those interest play out in the Chinese mainland and offshore territories?

Answer to Q26
Japan owns the biggest chunk of what we would consider China, with Taiwan, a protectorate in Manchuria and a quarter of Shanghai. Germany, Britain, and California own the other three quarters of Shanghai. Brazil bought out Portugal's lease a few decades ago. Germany conquered Hong Kong and Guangzhou during the 19th century. Britain is de facto suzerain of Tibet.

Germany has designs on larger parts of Southern China, while Japan has had China in its sights for a long time now. Recently, Germany and Japan have stopped their military posturing, to the relief of all the great powers. However, they are currently working on a secret agreement establishing spheres of influence in China, in case a situation would arise where war with China was probable.

Brazil and California are partial to maintaining the current situation in China; free flow of commerce through Shanghai and Macau. Often, they are in conflict with the Germans and Japan who are inclined to take a more direct rule of China. Britain prefers the status quo, but they would also prefer that Japan not align themselves closely with the Double Entente of France and Germany. The French have no real interest in China, apart from concessions the Germans allow in Hong Kong. Usually, they interfere in China to disrupt the Britain's relations with its allies.

Question 27
Let’s get down to brass tacks. Why is California a great power and not Texas?