Whe need a stronger China in the early 1930's. and a different Japan
1917
Japan occupies Germany's China Cessions
1919
US asks Japan to send troops to Russia to help extract the Czech Legion.
In a narrow vote the Diet decides not to send the troops [OTL in a narrow vote - they authorized 7,000, the Generals sent 70,000]
Both the Generals and the US are upset by this Vote.
1920
A low intensity, behind the scene, War is being waged between the Japanese Militants, and the Diet Politicos.
1921
The Japanese Militants' plan to take over the Japanese Government is delayed by the Great Kyoto Earthquake.
However plans like these are very time sensitive, and during the delay, the details are leaked to the Politicos.
The behind the Scene War comes into the open.
In order to keep the knowledge gained during the war -The German War Department begins constrution of a new Submarine Shipyard in Holland.
They also begin looking for a site for Larger Surface ShipYard
1922
As part of the need for funds to rebuild, and part as the conflict with the Militants, the Diet accepts the Washington Naval restrictions and cancels the 8:8 Naval building program.
In a agreement with China, Germany begins construction of a new Shipyard in Shaoxing. The Agreement forbids any kind of Foreign Concession, and guarantees training for Chinese.
1923
Debate begins in Japan on a new Constitution, One of the main areas of Debate are provisions to rein in the Military and establish greater Civilian Control.
It is decided to complete the existing 8:8 hulls as Aircraft carriers. However no new Capital Ships Keels will be laid down.
1924
Out of Work, Former Workers, from Germany's Naval Shipyards, Naval Architects to Plumbers, Electricians, & Steel Workers, begin arriving in China.
While post Versailles Germany Has very little free capital for investments, Pulled by The Germans that remained in China post War, China is one of the Main areas for what little German has.
Reports from the former German Concessions, about Japan's treatment of the remaining German Businesses, and the treatment of the German/Chinese Offspring, begins souring German/Japanese relations.
1925
Under the New Constitution, Japan begins a major attempt to Japanize Korea, and the Pacific territories,
OTL, Japan blow Hot/Cold, on these attempts, Never able to come to a consensus. ITTL Japan has made up It Mind to go all the way with Japanation.
1925 - 1928
Several German Aircraft Manufacturers set up subsidiary Plants in China, Manufactoring German Planes for the International Market.
1929
Krupp Arms begins construction of a Factory in China that will build the Guns for the Ships built in being Shaoxing.
1931
The KMT Government sends troops north into Manchuria, This will begin a Decade long attempt to gain control of the territory from the Warlords.
After several border incidents between Japanese & Chinese troops in the Trans Yalu Mountains, Japan begins a series of Fortifications in the Mountains on both sides of the Yalu.
1934
Alarmed at China's increasing Buildup, The Diet loosens the purse-strings. It begins a Military Build up, Including several new large Carriers, & Cruisers.
ITTL due to the attempts to rein in the Militants, Japan had never built up to the Limit under the WNT. Here they are, including replacing some of the older ships.
German Pilots begin training in China along with the Chinese Army Air Corp.
OTL this training took place in Russia.
1935
Japanese-Chinese relations deteriorate as China take a more militant attitude to Japans historical concessions in Manchuria.
OTL this is the year of the War of the Wall, where Japan forced China to accept a Demilitaried Zone 100 miles south of the Great Wall.
ITTL, There is just more Border Incidents in the Trans Yalu Mountains.
Japan also begins covertly supplying Arms and Ammo to some of the Warlords.
1936
Germany licenses the Production of the Panzer 1 to China and helps construct a Manufacturing Plant.
1937
In response to the Chinese Panzers Japan Licenses the Russian T-26.
1938
Japan begins talks with Britain about renewing the Old Anglo-Japanese Naval Treaty.
China begins manufactoring the Panzer II
1939
Germany invades Poland -WW2 begins
1940
Fall of France.
China joins the Axis, Occupies Vietnam, US Imposes a Embargo on China.
Japan -Britain renew the Naval Treaty.
1941
Germany invades Russia, Chinese Troops Enter Siberia, Britain DoW's China.
China attacks Malaysia, Korea. Invades Indonesia.