In the years prior to world war ii, japan underwent rearmament and a policy of expansion, setting its sights on
a. germany and france
b. china and southeast asia
c. russia and southwest asia
d. the united states and mexico

In the years prior to World War II, Japan underwent different policies which were aimed at expanding their nation and militarizing their society with the sole purpose to try and conquer the area around China and Southeast Asia - also because it was very close to them. The correct answer is therefore B. 

If you make it more clear i can answer it