Japanese-US relations are extremely icy
Japan is retrenching in Eastern Siberia. There is fortification of the border areas and use of native peoples as auxilaries (i.e. new-style Cossacks). There is modernisation of the battlefleet and experimentation with aircraft carriers
The USA is building up its fleet, constructing bases and a chain of supply. In December 1932 they sign a common-defence policy with Australia
In China the Nationalist government is fighting a civil war against regional warlords and an increasing Communist threat (Stalin switches aid to China after the failure of the Eastern Siberian offensive). The Communists are pledged to reunite China and drive the foreigners out
Japan seeks closer relations with Germany. German naval power in the North Pacific is a potential threat to Japan and Tsingtao is a dagger pointed at Japan's heart. The Tokyo Accord of May 1933 is seen as a direct response to the US-Australian coming together
Cecil's British conservative administration embarks upon much-needed modernisation of the fleet and the upgrading of foreign stations especially Gibraltar and Singapore. However budgetary constraints mean that development of the aircraft carrier remains secoindary with no large vessels in service and ambitious plans for new battleships are put on hold while an envisioned enlargement of the submarine fleet is much scaled-down
In France Sarrail embarks upon a rearmament plan in an effort to steal the thunder of the League Nationale (LN) even though this leads to a severe socialist backlash. The new construction goes ahead against a background of LN and socialist riots and battles, with Sarrail's administration struggling to remain in control
In Transcaucasia serious tensions between Georgian, Azeri and Armenian nationals threatens to tear the country apart