Hong Kong may face air attack, but Japan may be unable to spare the troops for a full assault. China already absorbs enormous forces, while Soviet troops to the north make it risky to shift reserves south. British submarines can attack the seaborne supply route into Canton, and Town-class cruisers can prey on Japanese merchant traffic. These pressures create a logistical and strategic problem very different from the December 1941 Hong Kong campaign.
Notable Point · 17:42-20:35
The Soviet threat limits Japanese options in China
Japanese forces in China face a difficult choice: reinforce southern operations or retain reserves against Soviet pressure and Allied attacks on sea supply.