I don’t think we need a NAP, although in global I don’t think we will see a J1 attack either. Both powers will have good size forces at the borders, and neither will want to risk them, leaving them selves weak to other enemies. Both will want to use those forces in other missions, but shouldn’t leave the boarder unprotected for fear of attack.
Japan could go after Russia, but that would leave less to take out China. Japan will also be looking to set-up attacks on UK holdings no later then rd #3 (Siberia is a long way from India). Russia will have a ton of inf to fight through, and will be able to back down until it can reinforce with attack units. Japan would be caught in nowhere land, and not have much to show for its efforts. By time Japan gets anywhere near a Russian victory city the UK (India) will be much stronger, and the US will be breathing down their neck.
Russia will be preparing to get raped by Germany as soon as Paris falls (unless of coarse Germany attempts a Sea Lion, then Russia might get bold). Even if Russia wants to push into Manchuria, I don’t think it will have much more then inf that far out to do so. It would take a turn or two to get tanks or air units to Siberia to do any real damage. I think Russia may declare war on Japan to enter China just to help keep them alive.
Speaking of China and the “Great Acme Wall”, IN Pac 40 China normally gets pushed back to the Russian or Mongolian boarder. I wouldn’t like for the Chinese to be able to totally vacate China and retreat into Russia, India or Mongolia for that matter. You would end up w/Chinese def Russian soil all the way to Moscow, Stalingrad, or a last stand in India. That’s much worse then keeping them within their own boarders IMO. China has 20 tt it can go into now. It will have many allies (including Russia) to come in and help keep it alive, or breath life back into it if it falls in GL40. I’m sure Larry has learned from AA50, he has even acknowledged the short comings w/China and possible improvements in the future. There are many improvements concerning China in the new game. The flying tiger is protected at the start. China gets it own income and turn. The Burma road is rather cool, allowing China to purchase art, and get an NO bonus. I don’t think you can pass judgment on the global game, or say some part is broken w/o first seeing how it all works out.