What fleet might a stable China around World War I build to respond to Japan?
Short answerIt could begin with straightforward Vickers export cruisers and battleships built in Britain, then develop domestic capacity while trying not to trigger an immediate Japanese escalation.
NotesA stable China could start with relatively simple British export designs while gaining the experience needed to attempt domestic construction. Vickers offered small battleships and cruiser concepts that give the scenario a contemporary industrial starting point. Armored and protected cruisers could accompany the first capital ships as the fleet developed. Japan's Kongo-class ships would then create pressure for something fast and powerful enough to answer them. Matching Japan would be difficult enough, while surpassing it could provoke an expensive response. Vickers's willingness to sell to both customers would help turn successive purchases into an arms race.