Whether a nation could achieve independence and self-reliance in resources determined its autonomy and standing in international relations. East Africa, the United States, the Soviet Union, and Britain, for instance, were not beholden to others because of their vast territories.
Japan and Germany were precisely the opposite. Even though both possessed exceptionally formidable military strength, their shortcomings in resources left them in a rather stifled position.
Once they faced sanctions and blockades from other countries, their current industrial scale would struggle to maintain long-term operation. They might even slide into social regression because of resource problems.
If Japan were blockaded by other countries, its situation might be even worse, as it depended more heavily on foreign resources. This was also one reason Nan'un Chūichi was so eager to occupy the entire Nanyang region and Australia.
Oda also strongly supported Nan'un Chūichi's thinking. "The Empire's future lies neither in the north nor even in the east. Only the south is the sole path for the Empire's future to join the ranks of the world powers."
"First, as you said before, the Nanyang region's resources are not only abundant but comprehensive, capable of meeting every need of the Empire's industrial development."
"Second, the Nanyang nations and places like Australia are vast and sparsely populated, with a low degree of civilization. They are clearly much easier to conquer and assimilate. It is a pity that the Army Baka, with their simple minds, simply cannot understand such an obvious truth."
"Third, the Nanyang nations are now all colonies of various countries, which makes it convenient for the Empire to intervene in affairs there."
The third point had been proven in his previous life as well. Japan's expansion into Nanyang had not merely met with no fierce resistance; it had instead received covert support from