Maybe a new dynasty arises in the wake of a much worse Boxer Rebellion that is supported by the European powers. After defeating and ousting the Qing with the excuse they've lost the Mandate of Heaven, they're initially much more receptive to European demands for now while copying and issuing reforms and avoids the Warlord Era from the 1920s through 40s. By the 1950s, this China could be an economic great power once decolonization begins to take shape and forms an economic sphere in Asia. Heck, a stronger China might dissuade Japan of a war or if a war does break out, it could be shorter and lead to less destruction.