Russia, China Join Forces in War Games

[SABRE]

Russia, China Join Forces in War Games



Russia and China have kicked off their first large-scale joint war games, involving 10,000 troops, in the port city of Vladivostok in Russia's Far East. Officials say the exercises, dubbed Peace Mission 2005, are aimed at countering new threats and challenges, such as terrorism and separatism.

The week-long drills, simulating intervention in a country wracked by ethnic violence, began with political and military consultations between Russian and Chinese military delegations.

In comments broadcast on Russian television from Vladivostok, the chief-of-staff of Russia's armed forces, General Yuri Baluyevsky, said the primary aim of the land, air and sea drills is peaceful.

Mr. Baluyevsky echoed his Chinese counterpart in saying the two sides are not striving to build a strategic military alliance, in order to confront or threaten a rival third party, as some may fear or suggest. He says the drills seek to fine-tune command and control preparations in the event of a large-scale terrorist attack or emergency.
A Russian professor of military sciences, German Petrenko, also discounts the threat level of the games. In an interview with Russia's Echo Moscow radio, Mr. Petrenko says the maneuvers mainly aim to protect Russia's national interests.

Mr. Petrenko, a military reservist, says the nod east, to China, reflects what he calls the current strategic and geographical reality after the break-up of the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact military alliance.

Others say the joint exercises are an opportunity for Moscow to demonstrate its weaponry to China, one of the biggest consumers of Russian military hardware.

The exercises also highlight growing ties between Moscow and Beijing. Their relations have warmed following decades of Cold War-era rivalry, reflecting their mutual concerns over perceived U.S. dominance in global affairs, as well as shared interest in combating extremism and separatism in Central Asia.

Despite the attempts to downplay controversy, western news reports note the unusual involvement of warplanes that can carry conventional or nuclear-tipped missiles during the drill. Such planes are not normally seen during peacekeeping exercises.

The United States was informed of the maneuvers in advance, but reportedly chose not to send observers. State Department Spokesman Sean McCormack earlier said that the United States expects that, whatever activities take place during the drills, they will only be ones that further regional stability and peace in Asia and the Pacific.

Source: DefenceTalk News
Link: http://www.defencetalk.com/news/publish/article_003057.php



I dont realy want to creat any fuss but it seems like Russia accepting China as a regional power after its collapse as Soviat Union also indicating to certain some one that Russia will be selling advance weapons to China since that some one is looking into US markets.

This will boost China's strength into the region. But can the guidance of Russia & mistakes learned from the late of Soviat Union help avoid China making its own mistakes & become a super power taking the world again to Multi-Polar cold war like era?

[mysterious]

I'd say, seeing India cosy up with the US, Russia is in no mood of taking any chances and is therefore sending a message to the US of its intentions to cosy up with China as a counter-measure to gain geo-political as well as strategic advantage. Hmm, not to get too optimistic here but China and Russia becoming strategic partners (though it may sound a little far-fetched), would be just too much for US to handle IMHO. Not bad for Pakistan indirectly in any way.

Lets see where this leads this game of chess. Who gates mated and who takes home the glory.

[P.A.F]

I'd say, seeing India cosy up with the US, Russia is in no mood of taking any chances and is therefore sending a message to the US of its intentions to cosy up with China as a counter-measure to gain geo-political as well as strategic advantage. Hmm, not to get too optimistic here but China and Russia becoming strategic partners (though it may sound a little far-fetched), would be just too much for US to handle IMHO. Not bad for Pakistan indirectly in any way.

Lets see where this leads this game of chess. Who gates mated and who takes home the glory.

exactly. russia is sending some top noch weaponary to showcase to the chinese as well.

[Iamyourdaddy]

I'd say, seeing India cosy up with the US, Russia is in no mood of taking any chances and is therefore sending a message to the US of its intentions to cosy up with China as a counter-measure to gain geo-political as well as strategic advantage. Hmm, not to get too optimistic here but China and Russia becoming strategic partners (though it may sound a little far-fetched), would be just too much for US to handle IMHO. Not bad for Pakistan indirectly in any way.

Lets see where this leads this game of chess. Who gates mated and who takes home the glory.

I don't understand why the hell in the world would people bring up India
at every single subject we talk about?

[mysterious]

Well if you can give us another more convincing reason why Russia and China have started cosying up other than India's recent actions and gestures of cosying up with the US, we'd be happy to look in to that and explore the possibilities.

[Iamyourdaddy]

India was never cosyed with US. US was the one who needed India
as their ''Allie'' in the Central Asia as well as in the South east Asia.
I think the Indians are smart enough to avoid that situation and
cooperate with the Chinese in the regional affairs. So they could
actually be one of the superpower in the region rather than some
watch dog for the americans like the Japanese.

[SABRE]

I don't understand why the hell in the world would people bring up India
at every single subject we talk about?

Well your right. We have narrowed our minds to Pak-India. What this is excersice is , is between two countries China & Russia. But it still performs a show off one way or another. According to BBC & CNN it is show off to US & the west that is because they are the west & see things from their side. We are Asians (South Asians) & see things from our side. I would say at this moment that all sides are correct. It is show off to US & India. China is showing of against US, Russia has nothing to show off to US instead that if they take away their biggest market they have another which they can never take away.

[Francois]

Well your right. We have narrowed our minds to Pak-India. What this is excersice is , is between two countries China & Russia.....

Just my two cents :
Contries buying russian goods are either countries that can't afford western technology or just can't (banned).
Russian stuff are very far from US\Eurpoean level, whatever OKBs will tell you.
I have a good indicator of a countries tech level, it is called ISO (i.e. 9001/9002/14001). And Russia is not very well represented here.

Why do you think India is trying to buy elsewhere?
If you have 10 Rafale/EF2K or F-16s, you will put for flight hours then 30 Sukhois/MiGs. Same for Kilos, and anything.
You should not be so excited about russian things.

[SABRE]

Just my two cents :
Contries buying russian goods are either countries that can't afford western technology or just can't (banned).
Russian stuff are very far from US\Eurpoean level, whatever OKBs will tell you.
I have a good indicator of a countries tech level, it is called ISO (i.e. 9001/9002/14001). And Russia is not very well represented here.

Why do you think India is trying to buy elsewhere?
If you have 10 Rafale/EF2K or F-16s, you will put for flight hours then 30 Sukhois/MiGs. Same for Kilos, and anything.
You should not be so excited about russian things.

I wont realy disagree here. From the looks, avionics, & specifications Russian machines are quite good but have failed in past when it has come to performance. But keeping performance aside Sukhoi-27/30 Series is quite good specialy compared to USAF's F-15s. Thats why Chinese are opting for them so thay can gain Air Superiority in the region. How they would perform if China was to invade Tiwan? Well, only time can tell.

Anyways here is the latest regarding the War Game:



China, Russia War Games Prepare for Live-Fire Drills


Russian and Chinese forces are wrapping up the second phase of joint military exercises as they prepare for live-fire drills to begin Tuesday in eastern China's Shandong Peninsula.

Nearly 10,000 troops from land, sea, and air forces of both nations are participating in the first-ever large-scale war games between the two countries.

The China Daily newspaper says the third phase of the eight-day exercise, dubbed "Peace Mission 2005," will involve firing with live ammunition by warplanes and military vessels as part of an amphibious landing on the Shandong peninsula.

The joint maneuvers began in the Russian port city of Vladivostok Thursday.

The United States is not attending as an observer, but says it is closely monitoring the drills.

Source: DefenceTalk News
Link: http://www.defencetalk.com/news/publish/article_003093.php

[Francois]

But keeping performance aside Sukhoi-27/30 Series is quite good specialy compared to USAF's F-15s.
If you read in details the AAR of the indo-US exercices you would understand that the F-15s has no problem dealing with the Su-30s, in any condition.
This exercices was biaised and oriented toward Congres acceptance of the F-22 bill. I don't consider the Sukhoi family on par to any F-teens.

[SABRE]

If you read in details the AAR of the indo-US exercices you would understand that the F-15s has no problem dealing with the Su-30s, in any condition.
This exercices was biaised and oriented toward Congres acceptance of the F-22 bill. I don't consider the Sukhoi family on par to any F-teens.

What said was in context to this topic. What I ment was that Su-27/30 are the only good AirCrafts China can get hold of in order to defend against F-15s. They are the only air crafts in F-15 league that Chinese have excess to even though they can be inferior. Most Su-30 fans (who's countries main fighters are Su-30) will disagree with me & bring up reports on Sukhois proved to be better than F-Teens in Indo-US excerise but I (Like you) am firm believer in F-Teens. I am from Pakistan so u can guess I am big F-16 fan.

[Francois]

I will always prefer to seat in a F-16 or F-15 then in a Su- series.
I have seen parts of russian planes (i.e. the few that fell off in Le Bourget), and I am not impressed. Now, russiams are trying to learn (i.e. RRJ) but, at the light of last meetings with Sukhoi my boss attended a while ago, the are just discovering the real life.

And that is why I am not impressed by chinese stuff either. They have a very deep russian phylosophy in designing things.
Plus I once talked to a chinese engineer from CATIC, and he didn't understand when I asked him about MIL STDs or RTCAs. He said they are debugging the materials when in the serial prod. And all the US specs are not good and all, just american and westerner view of things, etc etc...

I didn't dare saying that the world standards are not only usefull...
You can't make a good design without them today.

Yes, Su- series are the best China can get.

[SABRE]

And that is why I am not impressed by chinese stuff either. They have a very deep russian phylosophy in designing things.
Plus I once talked to a chinese engineer from CATIC, and he didn't understand when I asked him about MIL STDs or RTCAs. He said they are debugging the materials when in the serial prod. And all the US specs are not good and all, just american and westerner view of things, etc etc...

I didn't dare saying that the world standards are not only usefull...
You can't make a good design without them today.

Many Chinese dont have knowledge of Western AirCrafts thats true but they are trying to get there. Since Pakistan has its own trouble they decided to go to Israel. Israel can & may have provided them informations, they also gave away Levi plans which developed into J-10. There are roumers of Chinese being interested in French Fighter jets. They'll ask when EU lifts arms ban but I doubt they'll get it.

But they still have to do alot to come up with some thing similar to Western AirCrafts.

I will always prefer to seat in a F-16 or F-15 then in a Su- series.
I have seen parts of russian planes (i.e. the few that fell off in Le Bourget), and I am not impressed. Now, russiams are trying to learn (i.e. RRJ) but, at the light of last meetings with Sukhoi my boss attended a while ago, the are just discovering the real life.

I once met an Iranian Pilot in Saudi Arabia. He is the 1st Iranian I have seen who can speek good english. He told me he was in AirForce & flew F-14 few times (at the back seat only) & was later transfered to MiG-29. He said that Russian Fighters are very lousy when it comes to maintainance. Some time maintainance officers make mistakes (because of technical issues) & the aircraft is at the risk of crashing. He said parts do fell of Mig-29 if maintainance not attended properly.

[Francois]

These are more then impressions to me.

[Nautilus]

It's funny how most people are convinced their country operates/produces the best jets. At most they'll accept an allies product but everything the other side uses is bad, outdated and will be shot down anyway ;)

Whilst Russian products may not have the same quality as western ones, they shouldn't be underestimated. Also, they make up with a substantially lower price tag.

The SU-27/30 series is capable of very impressive maneuvers and utilizes a range of advanced weaponry. IMHO you cannot compare this air superiority fighter to a mainstay jet like the F16

[Francois]

I don't make assumptions on beliefs.:coffee
But it is not the truth that ppl dislike, it is to hear something they don't want to.
The SU-27/30 series is capable of very impressive maneuvers and utilizes a range of advanced weaponry. IMHO you cannot compare this air superiority fighter to a mainstay jet like the F16
The last Sukhois would have the spec level of early F-16s.
And these nice manoeuvers are good in air-shows... before they fell off the sky BOOM!

[Nautilus]

And these nice manoeuvers are good in air-shows... before they fell off the sky BOOM!

You are proving my point!

By the way.. I must have been living under a rock - can't believe I missed those news stating that a second engine with thrust vectors was bolted onto the old F16. Maybe you can post a pic?

[P.A.F]

Heres a update.

http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2005/08/22/018.html

Paratroopers Land on China's Coast

The Associated Press http://www.themoscowtimes.com/images/empty.gif

http://www.themoscowtimes.com/images/empty.gif
BEIJING -- Russian and Chinese paratroopers landed along China's northeastern coast over the weekend as some 9,000 soldiers from the two countries began the second stage of their historic first joint military exercises, news reports said.

The war games are the result of warming ties between Moscow and Beijing, motivated by growing concern at U.S. dominance of world affairs. They started Thursday in Vladivostok.

The exercise Saturday on the Shandong Peninsula, which juts into the Yellow Sea, was meant to simulate landing a joint force to stabilize a fictional country.

A group of 86 paratroopers with 18 military vehicles landed at a Chinese training ground and practiced "reaching ... the assault position and the launching of an attack at enemy positions," Itar-Tass reported.

About 7,000 Chinese troops and 1,800 Russians with ships, fighter planes and amphibious vehicles are taking part in "Peace Mission 2005," Chinese state television said.

The exercises, which end Thursday, are meant to improve cooperation in "dealing with crises and organizing coordinated actions in the backdrop of the fight against terrorism, separatism and extremism," China's official Xinhua News Agency said.

China's secretive military barred most foreign reporters from the exercises. Itar-Tass said Russian media were refused access to Chinese forces.

Russian and Chinese officials tried last week to reassure their neighbors, saying the military exercises were not directed at any other country.

The evening national news on Chinese state television showed Chinese and Russian officers gathered in a command center before computer screens showing maps of the exercise. The report showed Chinese soldiers driving tanks and troop carriers and preparing for parachute jumps, though it did not say when those activities occurred. It showed Russian fighters and cargo planes landing at a Chinese base and a Chinese schoolgirl giving a bouquet of flowers to a Russian naval officer.

The weekend exercises were to include 14 ships and about 50 Russian and Chinese warplanes and the midair refueling of Russian-made Chinese Sukhoi-30 interceptors by a Russian flying tanker, Itar-Tass reported.

The exercises are allowing Moscow to showcase military hardware that it hopes to sell to Beijing.

[SABRE]

You are proving my point!

By the way.. I must have been living under a rock - can't believe I missed those news stating that a second engine with thrust vectors was bolted onto the old F16. Maybe you can post a pic?

LockHeed-Martin tested one F-16 with Thrust Vectors. The program is known as VISTA F-16D.

Here are the links for pics & information

Pics: http://www.f-16.net/f-16_photos_album02.html

Info: http://home.att.net/~jbaugher4/f16_34.html

I guess with the introduction of MiG-35 (Thrust vectoring MiG-29), VISTA should be introducted to the market as a fighter.

I wish Pakistan had VISTA :D since we are buying new one we should have asked. ;)

[Francois]

You are proving my point!
Well, if you want an AF just to look good during Airshows, it is up to you.
Fans won't be here when the hell breaks out and hords of enemy planes are flilling your skys.

[P.A.F]

LockHeed-Martin tested one F-16 with Thrust Vectors. The program is known as VISTA F-16D.

Here are the links for pics & information

Pics: http://www.f-16.net/f-16_photos_album02.html

Info: http://home.att.net/~jbaugher4/f16_34.html

I guess with the introduction of MiG-35 (Thrust vectoring MiG-29), VISTA should be introducted to the market as a fighter.

I wish Pakistan had VISTA :D since we are buying new one we should have asked. ;)


Thrust vector F-16s for PAF:D (You wish).
It would be good but i don't think we could afford it so its better to get more F-16s with no thrust vectors.

[P.A.F]

Update.


http://www.dawn.com/2005/08/24/int7.htm

China, Russia simulate naval blockade

BEIJING, Aug 23: Chinese destroyers, submarines and fighter planes were coordinating on Tuesday with a Russian missile destroyer and anti-submarine vessels in ongoing war games simulating a naval blockade, state media said.

A Russian A-50 AWACS (Airborne Early Warning and Control Systems) aircraft circled to monitor ‘enemy’ movements both in the air and at sea as the joint blockade was mounted, China Central Television (CCTV) reported.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov left for China on Tuesday to watch the military exercises, which involve nearly 10,000 personnel from the two nations, Xinhua news agency said, citing Russia’s ITAR-TASS.

Ivanov will watch an exercise simulating an opposed beach landing on Wednesday, a source in the Russian Defence Ministry was quoted as saying.

Xinhua said defence ministers and military experts from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which groups China, Russia and four Central Asian republics, have been invited as observers.

A wide range of modern weaponry is being tested in the eight-day ‘Peace Mission 2005’ exercises, the first major land, sea and air war games jointly carried out by the two nations.

They are currently taking place on eastern China’s Shandong peninsula and in the Yellow Sea.

“The naval blockade military operation is made up of four parts, including striving for and maintaining air superiority over the water and joint air and sea anti-submarine operations,” Xinhua news agency said.

“The third part is the joint submarine, air and warship attack on ‘enemy’ warships and submarines, while the fourth task is the air defence of surface vessels and submarines.”

CCTV video of the exercises showed warships deployed in coastal waters as tracers and smoke from live-fire exercises exploded in the air. The exercises end on Thursday.

Chinese media has said the exercises were taking place against the backdrop of ‘the fight against terrorism, separatism and extremism’ — usually cited by China within the context of its endeavours to control the northwestern region of Xinjiang, home to a Muslim separatist movement.

The war games would also offer a prime opportunity to study China’s ongoing military modernization, analysts said.—AFP

[SABRE]

Thrust vector F-16s for PAF:D (You wish).
It would be good but i don't think we could afford it so its better to get more F-16s with no thrust vectors.

I did say I wish :D

Anyways I dont think it would be too expensive. Its only the engine that is of some cost I believe.

[P.A.F]

I did say I wish :D

Anyways I dont think it would be too expensive. Its only the engine that is of some cost I believe.

Its a whole new project SABRE. read the specs of it on this webpage.
http://www.f-16.net/f-16_versions_article19.html.

anyway back to China and russian exercise.;)

[SABRE]

According to US the war game between China & Russia is no threat.


China, Russia war games no threat, Rumsfeld says


The US military is observing the first big war games between China and Russia but doesnot regard them as a threat to Taiwan, US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said.
Some 10,000 Russian and Chinese troops are taking part in the weeklong air, land and sea exercise, which includes a simulated naval blockade and amphibious landing.

Rumsfeld said countries conduct joint military exercises together all the time, adding, "And so I guess I don't find it notable."

"I mean, countries do that," he said. "We are obviously observing what takes place, but I didn't see anything in it that was threatening to Taiwan or anyone else."

Russia and China did not invite the United States to attend as an observer.

But Admiral Edmund Giambastiani, the new vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said: "We watch them. We watch all these exercises."

Chinese destroyers, submarines and fighter aircraft coordinated their movements in the Yellow Sea Tuesday with a Russian missile destroyer and anti-submarine vessels while a Russian surveillance plane circled overhead.

The exercise is called "Peace Mission 2005."

Source: DefencNewseTalk
Link: http://www.defencetalk.com/news/publish/article_003112.php

[P.A.F]

There obviously going to put a brave face on otherwise they wouldn't have been watching so intensily in the background.

[SABRE]

Is it the end or the beggining? Only time can tell.


Russia: Moscow, Beijing Conclude War Games, as Region Looks On With Interest


Thousands of Chinese and Russian troops have concluded their first-ever joint military exercises by staging a mock invasion by paratroopers on China's east coast. Chinese and Russian paratroopers simulated the seizure of an airfield as planes dropped combat vehicles by parachute on the Shandong Peninsula in the Yellow Sea. Earlier drills included a mock amphibious assault and a sea battle. The exercise began last week in the Russian port of Vladivostok and shifted on 20 August to China.


PRAGUE: The eight-day war game involved up to 10,000 soldiers, as well as naval ships, submarines, missiles, and Russian strategic bombers.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov saw no irony, telling reporters on 23 August that the exercises -- called Peace Mission 2005 -- had only peaceful aims. "These exercises do not threaten anyone. They are not aimed against anyone," Ivanov said. "Their aim is to allow us to familiarize ourselves with each other's military capabilities, with our modern armaments and [to test] our operational capability -- that is, the ability of the militaries of two friendly states to act shoulder to shoulder according to the announced scenario, which is a peacekeeping mission."

But why so many soldiers and so much heavy military hardware for an exercise designed to simulate a joint effort at ending ethnic strife somewhere on the Pacific coast? And why is Russia suddenly cozying up to one of its historical rivals? That’s the question being asked around the region, especially in Tokyo and Taipei, as well as farther away in Washington.

Many in Taiwan believe the exercise is aimed against them. Local defense analyst Andrew Yang told Reuters the war games could be giving the Chinese military an opportunity to practice attacks on Taiwan, using some of the new Russian technology it has recently been acquiring.

“Obviously, Taiwan is the core interest of China because they consider Taiwan is part of Chinese sovereignty," Yang said. "And the PLA [Peoples’ Liberation Army], the Chinese military, is taking advantage of this opportunity to conduct a joint military exercise with Russia, to learn new military methods, tactics, as well as strategies to cope with potential threats in the region."

According to estimates by the Moscow-based Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies, Russia has been selling China an average of $2 billion worth of weapons each year since 2000.

Officially, Washington is not expressing any concern. U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld downplayed the significance of the exercise, in comments to reporters on 23 August. "Nations have exercises all the time," Rumsfeld said. "We do with any number of countries, dozens of different countries. And NATO countries do with Russia on various things, and we do with India. So, I guess I don't find it notable. It is just a fact that countries get together and engage in various types of exercises."

But there is no doubt that the United States, which has some 37,000 troops stationed in South Korea and more than 40,000 soldiers in nearby Japan, is watching closely.

“The question being asked in Washington, in Tokyo, in other capitals around the region, as well as in Moscow, is how will this affect their relationship with China and the broader security environment and economic environment within Asia or on a global level," said Robert Karniol, the Asia-Pacific editor of “Jane’s Defence Weekly.” "And nobody really knows the answers to that obviously. But everybody is very concerned.”

The Russian newspaper “Nezavisimaya gazeta,” in an analysis printed on 23 August, said Moscow is using the exercise to try to counter growing U.S. influence in Asia, the Caucasus, and the Middle East.

Of course, there could also be a much simpler explanation. This past week’s war games, extensively covered by the international media, are a great opportunity for Russia to advertise its military hardware -- and find new customers for its arms industry.

Source: DefenceTalk News
Link:http://www.defencetalk.com/news/publish/article_003169.php


So the basic extractions would be the one we have been talking about. Taking out the South Asia the artical discusses every thing we have said.

[Elite Brain]

What China now needs is state of the art Russian equipment like the Tupolev bombers, Amur and Akula Submarines, Russian Aircraft carriers,Mig29M, SU-34s,Midair-Refulers, Heavy transport aircraft and the S-400 for BMD.

[Snayke]

What's the latest Tupolev bomber? I think China already have 2 types. Global Security is your friend. :)

[Elite Brain]

LOL......so youre sayin China already bought the Backfires from Russia? Thats news to me . Take your own advice and checkout Global security .com......Down undaah.....:D

[kashifshahzad]

Kh-29L guided missiles launched successfully
RIA Novosti
Fri, 26 Aug 2005, 07:38


WEIBEI China: Russia's Kh-29L semi-active laser guided air-to-surface missiles were successfully launched Thursday during the final stage of the active phase of the first Russian-Chinese joint military exercises.

Chinese Su-30 fighter-bombers (Flankers) and Russian Su-24 tactical bombers (Fencers) launched the missiles.

China's J-8D fighters were the first to appear in the skies. Their task was to win air supremacy and cover the bombers. Then two Chinese H-6H bombers dropped missiles and bombs on the mock enemy's antiaircraft defense control post.

China's two J-11 fighters were also sent to cover the bombers over the assault area, the final exercise in Thursday's operation.

Two Russian Tu-95MS heavy bombers (Bears) approached the assault area. They made an hour-long flight from Russia to launch the cruise missiles to hit mock terrorist bases. The missiles can be launched at a distance of up to 1,000 km from a target without entering the enemy's air defense zone.

Russia's four Tu-22M3 (Backfire) long-range bombers, Su-24M2 and Su-27 bombers launched an air strike on the mock enemy's air defenses and airfield to prevent it from sending aircraft to thwart the landing operation.

Russia's A-50 (Mainstay) long-range reconnaissance plane conducted a reconnaissance check of aerial and surface targets before the assault. The aircraft's onboard systems are capable of locating and tracking up to 50 targets at the height of 50m to 12,000m.



URL of this article:
http://www.defencetalk.com/news/publish/article_003163.php

Can someone here tell me how much is its range

[SABRE]

This is not a news but an artical. Read, its intresting.


Why does China need that navy?
By Richard Halloran
The Washington Times
Published August 26, 2005

HONOLULU -- The new commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, Adm. Gary Roughhead, an interested onlooker of the joint Chinese-Russian military maneuvers during the past eight days, has posed a critical question about the rapidly modernizing Chinese navy: "What do [the Chinese] see as the intended use of that navy?"

"Clearly, the Chinese are developing a very capable modern military, especially the navy," Adm. Roughead said in an interview at his Pearl Harbor headquarters.

"If that navy is to ensure the free flow of commerce, that would not be surprising," he said, nodding toward the sea lanes in the South China and East China seas through which pass the oil and raw materials that feed China's expanding economy, not to mention its soaring exports.

The admiral added, however: "What if the intent is not purely to defend the sea lanes?" He left the question open.

Adm. Roughead said his command had been watching the maneuvers centered in China on the Shandong Peninsula across the Yellow Sea from the Korean Peninsula.

He was keenly interested in learning what ships and aircraft the Chinese and Russians had sent into the war games, how they operated together, and how they integrated their commands and communications.

The exercise marked another step in a gradual Sino-Russian reconciliation after decades of rivalry during the days of the Soviet Union.

It appeared to have had three purposes: Put the United States on notice that it has military competitors in the Western Pacific; show the Taiwanese once again that China would use force if that island nation declared formal independence; and market more Russian weapons to China, which already has bought Russian warships and aircraft.

The U.S. Pacific Fleet was not invited to send observers to the maneuvers, nor would Adm. Roughead or any other officer discuss ways in which intelligence was being gathered.

It would have been normal practice, however, for U.S. forces to have been watching and listening closely, using U.S. submarines, reconnaissance aircraft and surveillance satellites.

Adm. Roughead, who took command of the Pacific Fleet's 200 warships, 1,400 aircraft, and 190,000 sailors and Marines on July 8, said he would not drastically change course from that set by his predecessor, Adm. Walter F. Doran.

"When you come on watch," Adm. Roughead said, "normally you don't try to trim the sails right away."

Much of his attention will be directed to continuing the transformation of the armed forces as ordered by Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld.

In the Pacific and Asia, that objective is adding to Navy responsibilities as the United States plans to depend on sea power and air power rather than ground forces in most contingencies.

On the dispute over Taiwan, for instance, the United States would rely on ships and planes to help defend Taiwan if China sought to enforce its claim of sovereignty with an assault, and if President Bush decided it would be in the U.S.'s interest to resist.
Adm. Roughead said he planned to invite more Asian and Pacific navies to take part in multilateral exercises, in contrast to bilateral drills.

To increase their ability to operate together, he would like to persuade allied navies to codify their procedures.

That would be true not only with blue-water navies, such as those of Japan, Australia and India, but also with the smaller navies of Southeast Asia fighting pirates that prey on merchant ships in those constricted waters.

The admiral stressed, however, that he would seek informal arrangements, not another NATO one.

The need for codified procedures is also needed within the U.S. Navy, Adm. Roughead said.

Not many years ago, the United States really had two navies, the Atlantic and the Pacific, each with its own way of operating. With a smaller Navy today, ships could be deployed from one fleet to another and must be able to fit in to a new assignment seamlessly.

With an eye toward China's expanding submarine force, Adm. Roughead emphasized anti-submarine warfare.

The Navy relies on submarines, said to be the best weapon against other submarines, and surface ships equipped with sonar and torpedoes. It also depends on new anti-submarine missiles and low-flying aircraft such as the PA-C Orion laden with detection devices and weapons.

"This is an area that we want to be able to dominate," the admiral said.

Source: DefenceTalk News Articals
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