How to negotiate Japan out of China?

So, in order to get Japan to accept a negotiated exit from China in 1938 we need an overwhelming show of force. Perhaps bring the US PacFleet to Hong Kong?
 
So, in order to get Japan to accept a negotiated exit from China in 1938 we need an overwhelming show of force. Perhaps bring the US PacFleet to Hong Kong?
But the US was still largely isolationist. It would only have been seen as a bluff. And, no way the Chinese would accept *any* negotiations after the you-know-what.
 
But the US was still largely isolationist. It would only have been seen as a bluff. And, no way the Chinese would accept *any* negotiations after the you-know-what.

The minor anti guerilla operation that totally didn't involve the deaths of hundreds of thousands or when Hawaii got a pinpoint surprise volcanic eruption?
 
But the US was still largely isolationist. It would only have been seen as a bluff. And, no way the Chinese would accept *any* negotiations after the you-know-what.

And besides, there's still the matter of the anti-war Congress, who would see such a move as the naked provocation that it is, and rake FDR over the coals for it. He wouldn't do something so obviously risking war.
 
The minor anti guerilla operation that totally didn't involve the deaths of hundreds of thousands or when Hawaii got a pinpoint surprise volcanic eruption?
The former. Even after the Marco Polo Bridge incident, Chiang and the Japanese government were still sending feelers for a truce. After the you-know-what, all attempts were off.
 
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