[PatG]

So here's the problem: In the advance or meeting engagements, I have no problem beating the Chinese so infantry toughness etc is not a problem - in fact it may be too low at my current ability. However I cannot defend against the sheer mass of infantry and artillery the Chinese can put into their attacks.

Possible answers:

1) I suck at defense. This is the most likely my source of problems yet I can play a fair defensive game in other match-ups. I may not have learned to use this particular force in the defense properly.

2) My map is too small. I am currently using a 80 hex long by 40 hex high map. While more than adequate in the advance, it may be forcing the Chinese to unrealistically bunch up. Both times I flipped to AI control to look at the Chinese forces - all I saw were ranks of infantry shoulder to shoulder and many hexes deep.

3) The pick lists are "broken". I am reluctant to suggest this but based on the large amount of artillery and armoured trucks the Chinese are getting on top of the infantry hordes, they may be running out of options at the points level I'm playing at.

Further investigations:
1) Take the same Japanese force and put it up against 1940's Marines or Brits. This will test my ability to defend against a qualitatively similar enemy and help highlight any pick list problems.

2) Increase the map to 80x80. This will give my smaller force more room to maneuver and allow Mao's juggernaut to spread out. If defending against the Chinese on 80x80 proves as easy as advancing, then reduce the map to 80x60.