Geographic History and politics China

Question 1

Between Empress Dowager Cixi and Mao Zedong, I will choose to meet Empress Dowager. She was one of the central women in Chinese History. She brought China to 4 years of modernization, ruling with intelligence, strength, and ruthlessness. She was also the longest ruling woman in all of China’s history. Her rise from a low-ranking consort to an empress gave her a fresh perspective in ruling her people. I want to ask her more about the changes she did in the education system, banning barbaric punishments and foot-binding, and reforming the legal code.
During the time of Empress Dowager, the dynasty entered a triumvirate rule in which the government experienced a temporary period of revitalization. The Taiping Rebellion that wrought South China, as well as the Nian Rebellion that devastated North China, were quelled during this period. China became open to western-style arsenals and languages and opened its first foreign service. A modern customs service was also established. An effort was also made to end corruption and recruit talented men in the government.
How did you manage to modernize China despite the uprising of Rebellious ideologies in some of its regions? What was the impact of your previous status and experiences to the reforms you established?
Question 3
I will avoid discussing the issue regarding Senkaku Islands. Senkaku Islands are one of the disputed territories of China. Japan maintained ownership of Senkaku from 1895 to 1945. The discovery of potential oil reserve in the island led to further interest on the islands. Both Taipei and Beijing governments agreed that the islands are a part of Toucheng Township, Yilan County in Taiwan. Japan, on the other hand, administers control over Senkaku Island as a part of Ishigaki, Okinawa. The dispute over the islands resulted to barred entry of Senkaku as Japan Coast Guard vessels from Ishigaki pursue Chinese ships that cross the maritime boundary.
Another topic I will avoid is the Japanese invasion of the French Indochina due to the casualties and turmoil that happened between China and Japan. Japan prevented China from acquiring arms and fuel from French Indochina.