The Fifth Cruiser Squadron still relied on HMS Dorsetshire, HMS Kent, HMS Cornwall, and HMS Sussex - four large County-class cruisers - plus Birmingham for status and presence. Those Counties were expected to return for refit in late 1939 or early 1940. Belfast and Edinburgh were the available ships with enough size and prestige to replace them. Had peace continued, the China Station would therefore have become increasingly Town-class in character while maintaining the visual and diplomatic weight associated with the larger Counties.
Notable Point · 26:02-27:03
Belfast and Edinburgh were poised for the China Station
Planned County-class refits would likely have brought Belfast and Edinburgh east as prestigious replacements alongside Birmingham.