Page:A Pocket Guide to China (1943).pdf/39

 support. Her coastline was blockaded against shipments of war materials, her industrial cities overrun, and her railroads and navigable rivers in the hands of the enemy.

China had three strategic assets to combat a Japan who was technically superior in every arm—her courage, her manpower, and space. As one military commentator has pointed out: "The vast distances of China and the rugged character of the country are among the important points which favor its defense against invasion. Other major factors are the ability of the people to endure hardship, be content with a meagre ration, and to live in relatively self-sufficient economic groups. The prevalence of a phi­losophy which emphasizes pride in race, love of family, and the desire to be revered by their children is another important asset."

Chiang exploited his assets to the full. Driven back from the coastal cities, China's armies fought all of the way, taking a heavy toll of the enemy at frightful cost to themselves. In the early days of the war it was estimated that Chinese casualties were about three times those of the Japs. Today they are almost even. Whole factories were dis­mantled and removed to the interior, often on the backs of the incredible Chinese coolies. Finally in the mountain areas of middle China the invaders were stopped cold and have been stopped ever since. 35