Hong Kong, Weihaiwei, and the geography of British forward bases

Was Hong Kong intended as the forward submarine base for British operations against Japan?

Weihaiwei is identified as the intended operating base, with Hong Kong supporting it; Shanghai offered a different geographical option but depended on uncertain Chinese cooperation.

Hong Kong is described as expected to fall, with defences intended to make its capture require a serious effort. Weihaiwei is identified as the intended forward operating base, with a recaptured Hong Kong in a supporting role. Weihaiwei's Yellow Sea position brings it closer to Japan, although Korea lies between them. Shanghai is suggested as geographically preferable, but securing it depended on Chinese cooperation that British planners could not take for granted. The comparison shows how familiarity, access, and political uncertainty can complicate the choice of a base.