Context: It is generally considered that the Pacific War began on 7/8 December 1941, on which date Japan invaded Thailand and attacked the British possessions of Malaya, Singapore, and Hong Kong as well as the United States military bases in Hawaii, Wake Island, Guam and the Philippines. Some historians contend that the conflict in Asia can be dated back to 7 July 1937 with the beginning of the Second Sino-Japanese War between the Empire of Japan and the Republic of China, or possibly 19 September 1931, beginning with the Japanese invasion of Manchuria. However, it is more widely accepted that the Pacific War itself started in early December 1941, with the Sino-Japanese War then becoming part of it as a theater of the greater World War II.[nb 9]

Question: When do most people believe the Pacific War began?
Answer: early December 1941

Question: On what date did Japan attack Pearl Harbor?
Answer: 7/8 December 1941

Question: When did the Second Sino-Japanese War begin?
Answer: 7 July 1937

Question: Which countries did the Second Sino-Japanese War encompass?
Answer: Empire of Japan and the Republic of China

Question: Has Japan ever attacked Thailand?
Answer: Japan invaded Thailand

Question: What is the generally accepted date the Pacific War started?
Answer: 7/8 December 1941

Question: When did Japan invade Manchuria?
Answer: 19 September 1931

Question: What nation initiated hostilities?
Answer: Japan

Question: What was the Pacific War theater part of after December 1941?
Answer: World War II

Question: When did Japan invade China?
Answer: 7 July 1937