[Along ethnic/linguistic lines? Political fiefdoms of the various crime families running the Politburo? Broken into the Militarys Regional Commands?]
I think the most natural would be linguistic. I doubt it would break down that naturally. It really comes down to balance of power. Nobody wants to get bogged down with direct assistance (i.e. troops), but I’m sure many foreign powers would be glad to extend credit or provide arms and non-military supplies on credit to viable major players. If this ever came to pass, every major power would have its favorite.
“every major power would have its favorite.”
OMG, that’s true. It is so complicated thinking about China dividing itself, much less with a bunch of Foreign Intelligence Services trying to manipulate outcomes (which they would be duty bound to try).