Why both Japanese and Korean nationalists lust after Manchuria Options

[EazyMoney]

Seems like Manchuria has nothing do with them at all.
It beats me


Anyway, just a shoutout.


peace

[Eidolon]

Considering the cost/benefit of the situation, it is pretty clear that Koreans should have no intentions on the territory when there are better opportunities and benefits for the Korean people through other channels.

I don't disagree with your analysis with respect to the present day, but once Korea is unified, things may change. At that time, the threat, albeit still small, would not be non-existent. Consequently, it is not irrational for China to worry and to take precautions.

As for what is profitable, what would be most profitable in the long-term would be a push towards terraforming and colonizing space - at which point these territorial disputes on earth would be seen as no more than petty squabbles. But humanity being petty children to begin with, such a move appears impossible in the short-term. Consequently, China must be prepared to defend its territorial interests against would-be challengers, even if those challenges never actually materialize. As I've said in other threads, of course no wants war or conflict, but it is better to be prepared than to be caught with your pants down.