As Japan, what do to about China?

[Palmirinha do Hotdog]

So, basically question in the title. I have all significant DLC. Should I conquer the Chinese substates, puppet them, just release and sphere them...?
Also, when should I expect them to Westernize? Read somewhere it is to be expected around early 1900s. Is that true, or should I expect it later or sooner?

[Lembley42]

As Japan you should westernize way earlier than 1900s. Not even super-unliterate China takes that long. Expect more like .... 1860 if my memory doesnt completely fail me. Enact Early Meiji Restauration and focus on getting even more sweet Literacy by focusing Clergymen. Conquering stuff will grant you RP too - you can conquer Korea at day1 with a bit practice, which gives you a nice standing early on too.

There's no reason why not to conquer its substates and China itself, besides that basically winning you the game without that much effort :P Buts its still alot of fun for a one-time playthrough!

[Palmirinha do Hotdog]

I am in 1855 and already Westernized more or less some 5 years ago. Conquering Chinese Manchuria, Korea, Johore, Brunei and Hawaii, plus a few years of passive RP, was enough to Westernize. I was talking about China westernizing, not me.

[Lembley42]

Ah my bad (knew it was earlier lol) . In my experience they westernize like 1890-1910, yeah. Seems to depend on the game. You can click on Civilization Level map mode (it has a top hat icon) and hover over uncivilized nations and it'll tell you their current progress, which you can sortof interpolate.

[Palmirinha do Hotdog]

Ah I see. Thank you. Any specific place I should start my conquest spree? Should I go the historical-ish North-to-South route and start by Manchuria(lotsa coal), or are there some specific regions I should go for first?

[Afronautsays]

I JUST finished a Japan game. One should definitly take manchuria because just as in real life Japan lacks sufficient deposits of coal/iron/timber needed for a strong industry base mid to late game.

[Eorvek]

I recommend taking Manchuria (The inland area, not the area Russia takes) as territory for your Empire, along with a large chunk of China prope. (I recommend an area that splits the main chinese nation in half.) While taking any other region that you feel like taking. However, I prefer taking overseas territories like down in Indonesia. Gives good manpower and resources.