So, I've got the Khitai quickstart and have studied it a bit, and am going to put out what I think are the differences between the 2 systems:

Traits

Eastern characters pick 5 of these 7 instead of the classic Thean ones: Compassion, Honesty, Joy, Loyalty, Peace, Respect, Wisdom.  I think that two are required by your Nation.  It's an interesting way to distinguish characters more in the traits, and I think it stops one being the obvious choice.  When choosing an approach, your trait is Why you're acting and your skill is How you're acting.

It’s hard to believe a year has passed since 7th Sea: 2nd Edition was released at Gen Con 2016.