To what Extent did the Japanese Threat Have an Impact on the Outcome of the Power Struggle Between the Communists and the Kuomintang?

Every action has a reason, and Japan's reason for the invasion of China was purely land, in quality and quantity. Manchuria or as it was later renamed by the Japanese Manzhouguo proved to be an excellent source for forestry, minerals, and agricultural products in addition to being under populated for the size. Once captured the Japanese did all they could to protect their investment in Manchuria, took control of the major mines, railways, factories, ports, and even built up the south Manchurian railway. All this was threatened by the usurp of China by Chiang Kai Shek representing the Nationalists. Consequently the Japanese assassinated the current puppet warlord of Manchuria - Zhang Zuolin, and put his successor and son in his place. This happened to be convenient for the Japanese as the son would be just as easy to control being a gambling drug addict.…