Answer:
the answer was on the tip of my tongue but then i forgot. sorry :(
During the first twenty years of the twentieth century china went trough political turmoil as seen by the people of the Republic of China, themselves. It also seen by other nations the way its economy and international relations are concerned. But nevertheless, China was still able to manage their economy and being one of the big nations.
I can't help you with your second question but heres a site that I've found to help you with your 1st one. I hope this helps^-^
https://nationalinterest.org/feature/5-big-lessons-the-first-gulf-war-13536
The development of the East African coastal region was greatly influenced by it s excellent strategic position. It became a trading center where goods from three continents were passing by, and lots of money, as well as innovations and technologies were coming in this part of the continent.
If the situation was different, like suggests, if the region was an inland desert or mountainous area in Africa, than it was going to be a very backwards region in every aspect. The people would have steel been living in primitive tribal societies, and there's big possibility that they were going to practice a nomadic lifestyle as well. And those kind of conditions will not allow the formation of developed society, or great empire.