The game plan avoids launching the first attack across the Chinese border. Japan instead builds a firm position and waits for China to initiate any fighting. That choice is intended to put the reputational cost on the attacker while Japan appears quiet and polite. It is a scenario lesson about provocation and legitimacy rather than a reconstruction of an actual crisis.
Notable Point · 33:13-33:39
Provocation and reputational costs at the border
A firm border is meant to make China initiate any conflict, leaving the attacker with the reputational cost while Japan appears restrained.