Force Z's survival leaves the overall course of the war uncertain. The expectation is that a smaller Japanese territorial expansion and tougher resistance from the beginning would wear Japan down more quickly. Historically, increasing attrition left Japan establishing garrisons that it could not continue to supply or reinforce. Earlier losses in this scenario could bring that defensive predicament forward.
Notable Point · 1:26:14-1:26:58
Earlier Japanese attrition leaves the wider outcome uncertain
Tougher resistance and a smaller Japanese expansion could accelerate attrition, while the overall course of the war remains uncertain.