During the late 19th century there was fear about the idea of the Yellow Menace. The fear was based on China and/or Japan with their huge populations out breeding and generally hording over the world. This played into alot of the Invasion fiction of the early 20th century as well. Britain and France was where this was most common (though in France it was less fiction and more justified concern). So this got to me thinking, could either Japan or China actually launch an invasion half way across the world?
Now at this time you may be thinking "what kind of crazy idea is that?" Yet consider that despite having very few coaling stations Russia was able to launch its Baltic Fleet all around the world to fight the Japanese. Could the opposite occur? Also despite Japan's fame for sudden industrial advance and China's infamous anti-progress attitude (like the Boxer Rebellion), China underwent many reforms during the 19th century and with a few changes could have accomplished even more.
The idea of "an invasion fleet around the world" either by a more powerful Japan, or even a reformed China is still too outlandish. Obviously those two powers even in the best conditions couldn't pull that off. So European support would have to play a role. The British could very easily provide the logistics if not the ships to transport an Asian army to Europe, but that sounds too much like a simple colonial levy. Yet in reality there is nothing the Asians could muster that would defeat the British during their height. This could work out though if there is a general European war likely France versus Germany. With Britain's total neutrality and perhaps the sinking or distraction of the French fleet, it might be possible for a reformed China to sneak in "an invasion fleet around the world".
My challenge to AH.com is to think of a POD to make this happen, or simply convince me that I am crazy.
(the later shouldn't be too hard).