"China’s Naval Abilities Test Asia’s Insecurities" Topic

"Beijing plans to expand naval operations at a time of rising regional tension

China's promise to beef up its naval capabilities to prevent further "meddling" and "provocative actions" by rivals in the South China Sea is a daunting prospect for most of its neighbors, which already view Beijing's fast-improving armed forces with trepidation.

The Philippines contests some of China's claims in the South China Sea, but it has virtually no modern military equipment with which to defend its maritime territory…"
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Amicalement
Armand

Up to now, China's sizable navy/airforce consisted only of coastal defensive capabilities.

They want to be able to "project power" like the USA. All their new "stuff" is meant to take the battle to the other guys. Building-up the Spratlys is an interim step in achieving this goal.

Short of attacking them, there is no way to stop China from accomplishing this.

A lot of those Chinese escorts are floating targets. Plus think how this chart looks when you throw in 2-3 extra US CBGs, half a dozen US Subs and then add that to the Japanese. Not so one-sided

This chart is just a bit self-serving. It includes the forces of a single US carrier battle group against the whole Chinese Navy (and Air Force), which would not be the match up if there was ever an actual conflict.

Quality-wise, I suspect the Japanese have the Chinese outmatched in the Destroyers/Frigates, and Submarines categories, even though they are still a bit out-numbered.

Quality vessels and crews have a quality all their own, vs. larger numbers of poor craft and crews.

The Japanese have run wide ranging ops across the Pacific, and the Chinese have not.

This chart is just a bit self-serving. It includes the forces of a single US carrier battle group against the whole Chinese Navy (and Air Force), which would not be the match up if there was ever an actual conflict.

That's true. But it is the situation. The entire US Navy isn't in position to counteract the Chinese. Just one carrier battlegroup at any given time. All of our other forces are in CONUS, the Gulf, Pearl, and other scattered bases.

Honestly this chart reminds me of the naval balance in 1941 with the carrier battlegroup replacing the Asiatic Fleet. That whole thing didn't go well for us or the Philippines.