Li Jishen sat down. He almost felt empty. It was June 12, 1940; China had been at war with Japan since August 15, 1936. It was just sixty-three days short of a full four years of war between the once fragmented China led by the Guangxi Clique and the Empire of Japan. It was, however, over.
There had still been one island, one stronghold that remained to be taken: Hainan. Tired, Li Jishen simply authorized an all out, massive attack on the island. Zhang Xueliang took care of the actual tactical battle, commanding the immense force of one hundred and four divisions against the twenty-six defending Japanese divisions.
The final battle: Hainan.
The Japanese could not hold. Their front buckled underneath the sheer weight of Chinese fire- and manpower and the twenty-six divisions were destroyed. Hainan lay free for the taking.
The last victory.
But somehow, none of the units sitting in Zhanjiang had the honor of setting foot on Hainan first. That distinction went to Golukjin’s corps, which was transported all the way from Enitewok and hit Hainan’s undefended beaches, arriving before those men who had for so long protected Zhanjiang. Li Jishen smiled; it was the last island, after all.
The last amphibious assault, against the last undefended beach.
At 18:00 on June 12, 1940, Li Jishen announced to the world the annexation of Japan. The navy refused to believe it and scuttled their ships, turning Hainan Strait and the Inland Sea into massive ship graveyards. Li Jishen closed his eyes. Now that peace was upon China again, it was time to return to administration. He had directives to issue and a cabinet meeting to schedule for the end of the month.
Annexation, at last.