Brainy dog cartoons can vary. For instance, in superhero cartoons, the dog could have special powers and use its intelligence to fight villains. Or in fantasy settings, it might solve magical puzzles. There are endless possibilities depending on the creativity of the storytellers.
Political cartoons about China vs US in Asia can be quite diverse. They could show the influence each country tries to exert, or maybe the responses from other Asian countries. Sometimes, they use symbols and stereotypes to make their point.
I don't have enough information. Maybe the attack is a major turning point, or it could be a minor event that sets up future events. The nature of the attack and its significance would vary depending on how the manga's story unfolds.