The Axis do have an advantage. Japan 1941 is a beast.
I do reccomend using National objectives.
We let China be controlled by The Soviet 1941 and use money (starts with 7 ipc and same movement/build options). If hoj watt give China objektivet "No foreign ally in China except starten fighter inom +1.
It helps China a lot.
I suggest adding a Soviet AA in The far East too.