Question in the Middle East?

Regarding the Chinese territories controlled by Japan at the start of the game, I place Japan control markers on those territories when I set the board up. It’s a big help for me when one of those is liberated and the Japan marker removed as, later on, I quickly know who controls it at a glance. If Japan re-captures it, I place the marker back.

Assuming that Japan and the US are not at war at that point in time, Japan can indeed do that.

@elevenjerk:

Cool.  Makes sense but I think (not that it means much) that planes on a carrier don’t defend in the air unless there is something to defend against.  I’m new here but I’ve been reading for well over a year and I appreciate all the info given!  Thanks!

If it helps justify it, imagine that they’re flying CAP, and were already in the air when the subs struck.  The only time aircraft aren’t considered “in the air” is when attacking with a carrier that has a friendly plane.  In all other circumstances, the airplanes are independent of the carrier (and already in the air).  Not just when attacked, but even before they were attacked.  Hence, Combat Air Patrol.

@Cow:

if you make a sub submerge, does it still convoy? I just kinda assumed it does.

You mean disrupt convoy?
Yes, it does. The decision to submerge is a decision for the Conduct Combat Phase only.
Physically it is removed from the battle strip and placed back on the map.
Convoy disruption takes place later in the Collect Income phase.

The Russian NO deals with originally pro-Axis territories, so true neutrals that switch do not count.

Japan sitting off of Hawaii is fine; there is a sea zone between SZ 26 and SZ 10.

No, unless it must attack Allied units to do so.

No, they can also be used in regular sea battles.

Yes, they border