South China/West Philippine Sea

[Bugatti Veyron]

If the Americans had access to Philippine ports on a regular basis, think of the protection they could provide with military equipment such as these lasers.

 

http://news.yahoo.co...-225318179.html

This is one technology that America is going to keep close to its chest. I really doubt if they'd sell such technology to other nations.

 

 

 

[heatseeker0714]

This is one technology that America is going to keep close to its chest. I really doubt if they'd sell such technology to other nations.

 

Just like the F-22 Raptor... Banned by US Federal Law for sale to other nations... Even if The US is willing to sell it to its allies Japan and Israel and both countries have the financial & technological capacity to buy and maintain said bird...

 

That's why both countries chose the F-35 instead, a watered down version of the F-22... Israel was gunning for 12 birds, dunno about the Sushi lovers but they do have more moolah than the Kosher eaters...

[maxiev]

Just like the F-22 Raptor... Banned by US Federal Law for sale to other nations... Even if The US is willing to sell it to its allies Japan and Israel and both countries have the financial & technological capacity to buy and maintain said bird...

 

That's why both countries chose the F-35 instead, a watered down version of the F-22... Israel was gunning for 12 birds, dunno about the Sushi lovers but they do have more moolah than the Kosher eaters...

What a coincidence. Looks like the Sushi lovers are beefing up their military to thwart the growing Chinese threat.

 

http://news.yahoo.com/japan-invests-military-kit-china-row-simmers-113144839.html

 

Japan boosts military purchases as China row simmers

 

Tokyo (AFP) - Japan announced Tuesday it will buy stealth fighters, drones and submarines as part of a splurge on military hardware that will beef up defence of far-flung islands amid a territorial row with China.

 

The cabinet of hawkish Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed to spend 24.7 trillion yen ($240 billion) between 2014 and 2019 in a strategic shift towards the south and west of the country -- a five percent boost to the military budget over five years.

 

The shopping list is part of efforts by Abe to upgrade the military in Japan, which has been officially pacifist since defeat in World War II. Its well-equipped and highly professional services are limited to a narrowly defined self-defensive role.

 

"Can we really protect the lives of citizens and our state simply by (exercising) the right to individual self-defense?" Abe asked rhetorically at a meeting of a government panel of security experts Tuesday, Kyodo news agency reported.

 

The large-scale spending on military hardware comes as Japan establishes a US-style National Security Council that is expected to concentrate greater power in the hands of a smaller number of senior politicians and bureaucrats.

 

 

 

 

'Proactive pacifism'

 

 

 

 

Fears are growing in Japan over the rising power of China, with the two countries embroiled in a dispute over the sovereignty of a group of islands in the East China Sea, and the perennial threat posed by an unpredictable North Korea.

 

The new guidelines approved by the cabinet on Tuesday call for Japan to boost its missile defence system to counter "a grave and imminent threat" from North Korea.

 

Pyongyang conducted its third nuclear test in February, following a rocket test in December 2012.

 

The guidelines also demand a "dynamic joint defence force", intended to help air, land and sea forces work together more effectively.

 

Abe said the shift would allow Japan's military to better shoulder its responsibilities on the global stage.

 

"We hope to make further contributions to the peace and stability of the international community through proactive pacifism," he said. "This shows with transparency our country's diplomatic and defence policies."

 

US Secretary of State John Kerry said on a visit to Manila Tuesday that his country backed the newly-announced re-armament plan, saying it had been planned with the United States beforehand.

 

"Japan has the ability to play a more modern, engaged role (in the region). This is something we have been working on, and they have been planning for some period of time," he told reporters.

 

Spending will be raised to 24.7 trillion yen over five years from April 2014, up from the present 23.5 trillion yen over the five years to March 2014, but the figure could be trimmed by up to 700 billion yen if the defence ministry can find savings and efficiencies.

 

New hardware will include two destroyers equipped with the Aegis anti-missile system and 28 new F-35 fighter jets, a stealth plane far superior to the F-15s that Japan currently has in service.

 

Japan will also purchase three drones, 52 amphibious vehicles, 17 Osprey hybrid choppers and five submarines -- all designed to boost maritime surveillance and bolster defence of islands.

 

 

 

 

Replacing obsolete equipment

 

 

 

 

Analysts noted that much of this kit will replace obsolete equipment, but the reorientating in military priorities is evident.

 

"The guidelines underscore a clear shift of Japan's major defence focus to the protection of its islands in the East China Sea," said Hideshi Takesada, an expert on regional security at Takushoku University in Tokyo.

 

During the Cold War, Japan's military was largely static, with the majority of resources in the north and east to guard against any invasion by Russia.

 

But changing dynamics and in particular the rise of China -- where double-digit jumps in defence spending are the annual norm -- mean that Japan's armed forces need to be located farther south and to be able to deploy to the country's many far-flung islands.

 

"The guidelines show Japan's readiness for practical defence if China's bluff turns to be real military action," Takesada said.

 

Regional tensions were ratcheted up last month when China abruptly declared a new Air Defence Identification Zone over the East China Sea, including over disputed Tokyo-controlled islands called Senkaku in Japanese and Diaoyu in Chinese.

 

In Beijing, where memories of Japan's brutal rampage last century refuse to fade, foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said it was watching Tokyo carefully.

 

"Asian countries and the international community, including China, cannot but pay high attention and stay on high alert to Japan's relevant moves," she said.

 

"Japan should not make empty calls for peace and it should make honest, real actions and play a constructive role for regional peace and stability."

[maxiev]

Here's some good news about America's commitment to help the Philippines in its on-going row with China.

 

http://news.yahoo.com/us-backs-philippines-warns-china-over-air-zone-133032209.html

 

 

US backs Philippines, warns China over air zone

 

Manila (AFP) - US Secretary of State John Kerry warned China Tuesday against any move to declare an air defence zone in the South China Sea, as he affirmed defence ties with long-time ally the Philippines.

 

Kerry, in Manila for a two-day visit, criticised China for its declaration last month of an Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) in the East China Sea including over disputed islands.

 

He warned Beijing against any similar move in the South China Sea, where it has overlapping claims with several Asian countries including the Philippines.

 

Kerry also announced that Washington had committed $40 million to help the Philippines strengthen its sea defence capabilities.

 

The two sides are also in the final stages of hammering out a deal allowing more US troops, aircraft and ships to pass through the Philippines, where the last US bases closed in 1992.

 

"Today, I raised our deep concerns about China's announcement of an East China Sea air defence identification zone," Kerry said after meeting his Filipino counterpart Albert del Rosario.

 

"The zone should not be implemented and China should refrain from taking similar, unilateral actions elsewhere in the region, and particularly over the South China Sea," he told a joint news conference.

 

The Philippines had said last month that Beijing's announcement of its ADIZ in the East China Sea raised the prospect of it doing the same in the South China Sea.

 

China claims almost all the South China Sea but the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have overlapping claims.

 

Tensions between the Philippines and China have risen in recent years as Beijing becomes more aggressive in asserting its claims.

 

Earlier this year Manila took Beijing to a United Nations tribunal over the contested Scarborough Shoal, which has been controlled by Chinese government vessels since last year.

 

Beijing's East China Sea zone requires aircraft to provide flight plans when traversing the area, declare their nationality and maintain two-way radio communication, or face "emergency defensive measures".

 

The zone covers disputed Tokyo-controlled islands -- known as the Senkakus in Japan and the Diaoyus in China -- where ships and aircraft from the two countries already shadow each other.

 

"I told the (Philippine) foreign secretary that the United States does not recognise that (East China Sea) zone and does not accept it," Kerry said.

 

Kerry also threw his support behind the Philippines, calling it a "key treaty ally".

 

"The United States is committed to working with the Philippines to address its most pressing security challenges," he said.

 

"That is why we are negotiating a strong and enduring framework agreement that will enhance defence cooperation under our alliance, including through an increased rotational presence in the Philippines."

 

John Blaxland, a defence analyst at the Australian National University's College of Asia and the Pacific, earlier said Kerry's visit was meant to assure the region that America "is not just a fair-weather friend".

 

"Kerry's visit can be expected to act as a catalyst for change," Blaxland told AFP, and underscored the Philipines's important role as Washington embarks on its so-called pivot to Asia.

 

Kerry was expected to meet President Benigno Aquino Tuesday night, and visit the typhoon-ravaged central city of Tacloban Wednesday.

 

Kerry said the United States stood ready to assist the Philippines in the long road to rebuilding, more than a month after Super Typhoon Haiyan left more than 6,000 people dead and over four million homeless.

 

The United States provided massive humanitarian assistance, deploying an aircraft carrier and mobilising 1,000 Marines.

 

On Tuesday Kerry paid tribute to the "resilience" of the Filipino people, which he said had inspired the world.

 

Del Rosario said Kerry's trip underscored the "increased momentum" of bilateral and defence ties.

[heatseeker0714]

What a coincidence. Looks like the Sushi lovers are beefing up their military to thwart the growing Chinese threat.

 

http://news.yahoo.com/japan-invests-military-kit-china-row-simmers-113144839.html

 

Japan boosts military purchases as China row simmers

 

Tokyo (AFP) - Japan announced Tuesday it will buy stealth fighters, drones and submarines as part of a splurge on military hardware that will beef up defence of far-flung islands amid a territorial row with China.

 

The cabinet of hawkish Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed to spend 24.7 trillion yen ($240 billion) between 2014 and 2019 in a strategic shift towards the south and west of the country -- a five percent boost to the military budget over five years.

 

The shopping list is part of efforts by Abe to upgrade the military in Japan, which has been officially pacifist since defeat in World War II. Its well-equipped and highly professional services are limited to a narrowly defined self-defensive role.

 

"Can we really protect the lives of citizens and our state simply by (exercising) the right to individual self-defense?" Abe asked rhetorically at a meeting of a government panel of security experts Tuesday, Kyodo news agency reported.

 

The large-scale spending on military hardware comes as Japan establishes a US-style National Security Council that is expected to concentrate greater power in the hands of a smaller number of senior politicians and bureaucrats.

 

 

 

 

'Proactive pacifism'

 

 

 

 

Fears are growing in Japan over the rising power of China, with the two countries embroiled in a dispute over the sovereignty of a group of islands in the East China Sea, and the perennial threat posed by an unpredictable North Korea.

 

The new guidelines approved by the cabinet on Tuesday call for Japan to boost its missile defence system to counter "a grave and imminent threat" from North Korea.

 

Pyongyang conducted its third nuclear test in February, following a rocket test in December 2012.

 

The guidelines also demand a "dynamic joint defence force", intended to help air, land and sea forces work together more effectively.

 

Abe said the shift would allow Japan's military to better shoulder its responsibilities on the global stage.

 

"We hope to make further contributions to the peace and stability of the international community through proactive pacifism," he said. "This shows with transparency our country's diplomatic and defence policies."

 

US Secretary of State John Kerry said on a visit to Manila Tuesday that his country backed the newly-announced re-armament plan, saying it had been planned with the United States beforehand.

 

"Japan has the ability to play a more modern, engaged role (in the region). This is something we have been working on, and they have been planning for some period of time," he told reporters.

 

Spending will be raised to 24.7 trillion yen over five years from April 2014, up from the present 23.5 trillion yen over the five years to March 2014, but the figure could be trimmed by up to 700 billion yen if the defence ministry can find savings and efficiencies.

 

New hardware will include two destroyers equipped with the Aegis anti-missile system and 28 new F-35 fighter jets, a stealth plane far superior to the F-15s that Japan currently has in service.

 

Japan will also purchase three drones, 52 amphibious vehicles, 17 Osprey hybrid choppers and five submarines -- all designed to boost maritime surveillance and bolster defence of islands.

 

 

 

 

Replacing obsolete equipment

 

 

 

 

Analysts noted that much of this kit will replace obsolete equipment, but the reorientating in military priorities is evident.

 

"The guidelines underscore a clear shift of Japan's major defence focus to the protection of its islands in the East China Sea," said Hideshi Takesada, an expert on regional security at Takushoku University in Tokyo.

 

During the Cold War, Japan's military was largely static, with the majority of resources in the north and east to guard against any invasion by Russia.

 

But changing dynamics and in particular the rise of China -- where double-digit jumps in defence spending are the annual norm -- mean that Japan's armed forces need to be located farther south and to be able to deploy to the country's many far-flung islands.

 

"The guidelines show Japan's readiness for practical defence if China's bluff turns to be real military action," Takesada said.

 

Regional tensions were ratcheted up last month when China abruptly declared a new Air Defence Identification Zone over the East China Sea, including over disputed Tokyo-controlled islands called Senkaku in Japanese and Diaoyu in Chinese.

 

In Beijing, where memories of Japan's brutal rampage last century refuse to fade, foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said it was watching Tokyo carefully.

 

"Asian countries and the international community, including China, cannot but pay high attention and stay on high alert to Japan's relevant moves," she said.

 

"Japan should not make empty calls for peace and it should make honest, real actions and play a constructive role for regional peace and stability."

 

 

The Corruptors are now wondering, did we bite off more than we could chew... The fighting quality of the Sushi Lovers have never been in doubt... Sure they have Article 9 in their Constitution, but now Abe's back as PM and has the political clout to call a referendum and amend Article 9...

 

The Grandkids of Yamashita scrapped their Self Defence Agency and instead put up a Ministry of Defence in 2011 or 2012, has this year set up a National Security Council, and now this latest binge on more modern weapons platforms that the Katana users currently have...

[oscartamaguchiblackface]

The Corruptors are now wondering, did we bite off more than we could chew... The fighting quality of the Sushi Lovers have never been in doubt... Sure they have Article 9 in their Constitution, but now Abe's back as PM and has the political clout to call a referendum and amend Article 9...

 

The Grandkids of Yamashita scrapped their Self Defence Agency and instead put up a Ministry of Defence in 2011 or 2012, has this year set up a National Security Council, and now this latest binge on more modern weapons platforms that the Katana users currently have...

Should we be fearing a militaristic Japan? Is another WW2 type scenario a possibility with Japan's increasing military spending and capability? Or is the situation today completely different from the one in 1939?

[heatseeker0714]

Should we be fearing a militaristic Japan? Is another WW2 type scenario a possibility with Japan's increasing military spending and capability? Or is the situation today completely different from the one in 1939?

 

Japan was the naughty kid who got his @$$ handed to him in the 40s, learned from his mistake, grew up, made efforts to rescind his mistake by being generous to the neighbors he troubled as a teenager when he became successful and all but kneeled in front of every other kid he hurt during his teenage years... except for his reverence to his emperor, his conviction of honoring ALL of her war dead including those who did heinous acts and officially saying sorry for the comfort women and sometimes the propensity of some of her citizens to rewrite their history, her actions since 1945 to me has shown that they are capable of admitting their mistakes and owning up to them and rectifying said mistakes...

 

Compare this to China, who instead of moving on,kept remembering her traumatic childhood, umasenso na at lahat talagang hindi naka-move on to the point na instead na maawa ka at intindihin sya mabubusit ka na lang...

 

Who would you befriend? who would you avoid?

[oscartamaguchiblackface]

Japan was the naughty kid who got his @$ handed to him in the 40s, learned from his mistake, grew up, made efforts to rescind his mistake by being generous to the neighbors he troubled as a teenager when he became successful and all but kneeled in front of every other kid he hurt during his teenage years... except for his reverence to his emperor, his conviction of honoring ALL of her war dead including those who did heinous acts and officially saying sorry for the comfort women and sometimes the propensity of some of her citizens to rewrite their history, her actions since 1945 to me has shown that they are capable of admitting their mistakes and owning up to them and rectifying said mistakes...

 

Compare this to China, who instead of moving on,kept remembering her traumatic childhood, umasenso na at lahat talagang hindi naka-move on to the point na instead na maawa ka at intindihin sya mabubusit ka na lang...

 

Who would you befriend? who would you avoid?

I see your point. Well said heatseeker.

[tk421]

I agree with heatseeker. China doesn't want to grow up and is stuck in the past.

[Bugatti Veyron]

I agree with heatseeker. China doesn't want to grow up and is stuck in the past.

Just like some people with a lot of emotional baggage.

[maxiev]

http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2013/12/21/china-vs-japan-will-boeings-new-submarine-destroyi.aspx#.UraZWcLxtlB

 

China vs. Japan: Will Boeing's New Submarine-Destroying Jet Get Battle Tested?

 

Japan and China are anything but friendly, but tensions escalated further following China's recent declaration of a maritime air defense zone over the East China Sea. This move also increased tensions between China and the U.S., and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said the U.S. military wont adhere to the guidelines of the Chinese-described air-defense zone.

 

While this situation isn't the best news, it has provided Boeing with the opportunity to show off its new submarine-hunting P-8A Poseidon aircraft. Here's what you need to know.

 

Poseidon takes on the East Seas

Back in January, Boeing delivered the last of its low-rate initial production P-8As to the Navy. Consequently, the Navy's recent deployment of the P-8As to Japan is the first deployment for this aircraft. Moreover, while this deployment is part of a scheduled deployment and isn't the result of escalating tension in that region, it gives the P-8A a chance to prove itself. Capt. Mike Parker, commander, Task Force 72, told DoD Buzz: "We will demonstrate the ability of the P-8A to operate effectively alongside P-3C during high-tempo deployed operations. I also look forward to the P-8A integrating seamlessly with our international partners and allies -- our interoperability will only get better with Poseidon."

 

According to Boeing, the P-8A is a next-generation, "long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft capable of broad-area, maritime, and littoral operations." More importantly, the P-8A has next-gen sensors, which will help improve intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, and help actively mitigate the growing threat of next-gen submarines.

 

According to DoD Buzz, Rear Adm. Matt Carter, commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group, said: "The number of submarines in the world is increasing rapidly. Other countries are either building or purchasing advanced, quiet, and extremely hard to find submarines, and we need to be able to match that technology to be able to detect them."

 

Accordingly, if the P-8A proves itself capable of handling this growing threat, Boeing could expect additional orders from America's allies. This would be great news for Boeing, as well as Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC ) , which provides the directional infrared countermeasures system and the electronic support measures system, Raytheon (NYSE: RTN ) , which provides the upgraded AN/APY-10 maritime surveillance radar and signals intelligence solutions, and General Electric's Aviation, which supplies flight-management and stores-management systems.

 

What to watch

Right now, the Navy plans on purchasing 117 P-8As to replace the P-C3, and India placed an order for eight P-8Is, a derivative of the P-8A designed specifically for the Indian navy. Both of these orders are worth a significant amount of money, but it's only the beginning of what Boeing could expect if the P-8A does well in the East Seas. Further, while the escalating tension between Japan and China isn't great, it does give Boeing a chance to demonstrate the ability of the P-8A. Considering the P-8A is already worth billions for Boeing, anything that showcases its ability, and results in orders, is great news for the company.

[sonnyt111]

Seems the defense departments of many nations in Northeast and Southeast Asia as well as India are the biggest beneficiaries because of China's military threat. Governments of these nations have beefed up their militaries in response to Chinese aggression. The Philippine armed forces is included in the list of nations upgrading their military capabilities.

[oscartamaguchiblackface]

Seems the defense departments of many nations in Northeast and Southeast Asia as well as India are the biggest beneficiaries because of China's military threat. Governments of these nations have beefed up their militaries in response to Chinese aggression. The Philippine armed forces is included in the list of nations upgrading their military capabilities.

All these spending on military upgrades by these nations will hopefully make the Chinese less belligerent in their territorial claims. We need to band together with these nations in a united front against the Chinese. Of course, American support for all these nations will also hopefully further put pressure on China to tone down their rhetoric.

[maxiev]

All these spending on military upgrades by these nations will hopefully make the Chinese less belligerent in their territorial claims. We need to band together with these nations in a united front against the Chinese. Of course, American support for all these nations will also hopefully further put pressure on China to tone down their rhetoric.

Right now I'm more concerned about the sabre rattling or North Korea. The fact that it possesses nuclear weapons is a very scary thought. Kim Jong On is becoming more irrational by the day and seems to be preparing his country for war against South Korea and the United States.

[sonnyt111]

Right now I'm more concerned about the sabre rattling or North Korea. The fact that it possesses nuclear weapons is a very scary thought. Kim Jong On is becoming more irrational by the day and seems to be preparing his country for war against South Korea and the United States.

It would be interesting to hear a psychologist's view of the mindset of Kim Jong On. What makes him tick? If his country didn't have any weapons of mass destruction, then there wouldn't really be a problem since a conventional war will be easily won by the combined resources of South Korea and the United States.

 

It's as if the Sword of Damocles is hanging precariously over South Korea at this time. Will South Korea take preemptive action against the North or wait for the North to make the first move? If they wait for the North to make its move it may be too late for South Korea if the North uses nuclear weapons.

 

Then all hell will break lose starting in north east Asia then probably spreading towards China and eventually the rest of Asia, the Philippines included. Since the USA and Japan are also involved, financial markets all over the world will come crashing down.

 

All this turmoil because of the megalomania of one man. Someone better assassinate him for the sake of world peace.

 

 

 

[oscartamaguchiblackface]

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/china-japan-tensions-smartest-approach-070341427.html

Wonder why the Japanese Prime Minister would visit a shrine of war time criminals....

[oscartamaguchiblackface]

An interesting article detailing the worst case scenario in a theoretical war between the USA and China.

 

http://theweek.com/article/index/254400/what-would-a-us-china-war-look-like

 

What would a U.S.-China war look like?

 

Imagine this: In the early morning, a barrage of more than 1,000 Chinese ballistic and cruise missiles bombard Taiwanese civilian and military targets.

 

As the U.S. Air Force stationed in Okinawa prepares to rush to the aid of its sworn ally, Chinese cyber attacks wreak havoc on America's air defense and targeting systems. A second volley of ballistic missiles detonates in space, destroying critical military satellites, while a third rains down on the base, damaging jets and leaving runways unusable.

 

Meanwhile, a U.S. carrier strike group led by the USS George Washington has launched from Japan and is steaming towards the Taiwan Strait. Without the advanced warning and additional data supplied by satellites, the group's missile defense systems are at a disadvantage against the Chinese "carrier killer" missiles that are streaking towards them. Defense systems do their best, but a few missiles still hit their mark, leaving the USS George Washington's flight deck unusable. America's awesome air and sea power has been sidelined.

 

While far from a complete picture, this hypothetical scenario is the U.S. military's worst nightmare. Now, of course, despite recent shows of force over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands and the occasional blustery threat to Taiwan, war will almost certainly not break out between the U.S. and China. But it is this scenario's potential to be realized that helps keep war at bay.

 

To be clear: The United States military remains the world's most fearsome fighting force, unbeatable on a one-on-one basis. Yet it would find a protracted war that could end in nuclear Armageddon too costly. China is keenly aware of that fact. So rather than orienting itself towards a total war it cannot win, China's military strategy serves a smaller, but shrewder purpose — pushing the United States out of China's backyard.

 

Reclaiming Chinese pride

 

Provocations over Taiwan and the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands are not about the land itself per se, but rather a matter of national pride. Still fuming over its embarrassment in the 1996 Taiwan Strait Crisis, when President Bill Clinton made an overwhelming display of American power with the deployment of two aircraft carrier strike groups to the region, the Chinese government has sought to showcase its growing stature by taking control of the Pacific, a region long dominated by the U.S. Navy.

 

China's actions, especially of late, are a strong message to the United States that it wants to usurp America as the regional power, Hugh White, a professor of strategic studies at Australian National University, told Bloomberg. "They're saying to America that we're so serious about this that we're prepared to take the risks of being provocative, in order to persuade you to take seriously that we want to change the order."

 

To back up their actions, Chinese strategists have developed a large arsenal of conventional asymmetric weapon systems specifically designed to blunt American might, in effect creating a powerful deterrent that is forcing the U.S. military to walk softly in a region it once ruled supreme.

 

A2/AD

 

Aimed at preventing American forces from using their technological superiority to strike the heart of China, the Chinese military has pursued an anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) strategy. At its most basic, A2/AD is a layered defense strategy that incorporates land, sea, air, cyber, and space attacks to counter America's military advantages.

 

Rather than forcing an outright defeat, the strategy utilizes repeated waves of assaults using cyber attacks, anti-satellite weapons, ballistic missiles, stealth submarines, and other weapons to slow U.S. forces as they draw nearer the Chinese coast.

 

In a successful scenario, each successive wave of attacks would whittle down a superior force's advantage so by the time they reach their goal they have suffered too many casualties or are too spent to launch a significant offensive.

 

A key element of China's defenses is its growing stockpile of ballistic and cruise missiles that have enough range to blanket much of Asia. Most troubling is its DF-21D "carrier killer" missile, which has an estimated range of 2,700 km and is specially designed to target the U.S. military's greatest form of force projection — the aircraft carrier.

 

Additionally, China possesses a growing number of war planes, and is notably developing the fifth-generation J-20 and J-31 stealth fighter jets. At the same time, China has procured at least 12 stealthy diesel-electric Kilo-class subs from Russia, while the U.S. military has shifted its focus away from Cold War skills, like submarine hunting.

 

Countering A2/AD

 

In the theoretical war against China, the arms race is already on. As China develops asymmetrical weapons to minimize American advantages, the Pentagon is also at work on technologies to overcome those counter-technologies.

 

"Part of what keeps the probability of war so small is that the U.S. and Taiwan have taken steps to make sure it would be painful for China," David Shlapak, a senior international policy analyst at the Rand Corporation, told Popular Mechanics in 2010.

 

In reality, many of the weapons systems under development will never see actual combat, but the hypothetical arms race is critical as researchers on both sides seek to tip the scales in their favor and change the calculus for military strategists.

 

According to Admiral Patrick Walsh, the commander of the U.S. Navy's Pacific Fleet until last year, there is no reason to fear China's military buildup as long as U.S. capabilities keep pace.

 

"When we look at these sorts of developments, such as the ASBM [anti-ship ballistic missile], they are technological developments that we respect, but do not necessarily fear," Admiral Walsh told Popular Mechanics. "The key element in any sort of deterrent strategy is to make it clear to those who would use a given piece of technology that we have the means to counter it, and to maintain a technological edge."

 

Even with the U.S. military's technological advantages, China's explosive military growth has guaranteed that even a small conflict with the United States would prove deadlier than anything the nation has witnessed in decades — which is exactly why it won't happen.

 

 

 

 

 

[Larry]

An interesting article detailing the worst case scenario in a theoretical war between the USA and China.

 

http://theweek.com/article/index/254400/what-would-a-us-china-war-look-like

 

What would a U.S.-China war look like?

 

Imagine this: In the early morning, a barrage of more than 1,000 Chinese ballistic and cruise missiles bombard Taiwanese civilian and military targets.

 

As the U.S. Air Force stationed in Okinawa prepares to rush to the aid of its sworn ally, Chinese cyber attacks wreak havoc on America's air defense and targeting systems. A second volley of ballistic missiles detonates in space, destroying critical military satellites, while a third rains down on the base, damaging jets and leaving runways unusable.

 

Meanwhile, a U.S. carrier strike group led by the USS George Washington has launched from Japan and is steaming towards the Taiwan Strait. Without the advanced warning and additional data supplied by satellites, the group's missile defense systems are at a disadvantage against the Chinese "carrier killer" missiles that are streaking towards them. Defense systems do their best, but a few missiles still hit their mark, leaving the USS George Washington's flight deck unusable. America's awesome air and sea power has been sidelined.

 

this is a very short sighted scenario, I seriously doubt this is how it will play out.

 

for one the US will adopt a defensive posture after the theoretical attack on Taiwan, simultaneously trying to defuse the situation diplomatically while already lining up their pieces against China. this includes the mobilization of another Carrier group out of the mediterranean and re-aligning forces based in Afghanistan. SF troops would have already begun incursions into China at this point, creating beach heads and doing recon on Chinese military installations.

 

and I seriously doubt that the attack on Taiwan will happen without the US knowing of it beforehand.

[maxiev]

this is a very short sighted scenario, I seriously doubt this is how it will play out.

 

for one the US will adopt a defensive posture after the theoretical attack on Taiwan, simultaneously trying to defuse the situation diplomatically while already lining up their pieces against China. this includes the mobilization of another Carrier group out of the mediterranean and re-aligning forces based in Afghanistan. SF troops would have already begun incursions into China at this point, creating beach heads and doing recon on Chinese military installations.

 

and I seriously doubt that the attack on Taiwan will happen without the US knowing of it beforehand.

Yeah I think it's a very simplistic analysis. But it would be a good plot for a movie.

[dos8dos]

the US govt operate & maintain an electronic eye in a peak in the western region taiwan to monitor red chinas military movements

 

its similar to the electronic eye israel operate in the golan heights against the syrians

 

expect a skirmish first before the unthinkable all-out-war would actually happen

Edited January 6, 2014 by dos8dos

[oscartamaguchiblackface]

the US govt operate & maintain an electronic eye in a peak in the western region taiwan to monitor red chinas military movements

 

its similar to the electronic eye israel operate in the golan heights against the syrians

 

expect a skirmish first before the unthinkable all-out-war would actually happen

Bro I'm not familiar with what an electronic eye is. What does it do? And how does it work? Tried researching about it on google but the electronic eye that was featured in google was about commercial security systems for companies and businesses.

 

Obviously the electronic eye you are referring to has military applications.

 

 

 

[dos8dos]

Bro I'm not familiar with what an electronic eye is. What does it do? And how does it work? Tried researching about it on google but the electronic eye that was featured in google was about commercial security systems for companies and businesses.

 

Obviously the electronic eye you are referring to has military applications.

 

a secure facility for monitoring electronic communications..so the americans will know where the first shot will originate from with minimal delay unlike with satellite which is plagued with delays

[Bugatti Veyron]

Right now I'm more concerned about the sabre rattling or North Korea. The fact that it possesses nuclear weapons is a very scary thought. Kim Jong On is becoming more irrational by the day and seems to be preparing his country for war against South Korea and the United States.

Kim Jong On's sabre rattling has toned down a bit in recent days. I hope it remains this way indefinitely.

[maxiev]

http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/01/09/us-philippines-china-idUSBREA080BF20140109?feedType=RSS

 

Manila seeks clarification on Chinese fishing rules in South China Sea

 

 

Reuters

By Manuel Mogato and Sui-Lee Wee

6 hours ago

 

 

MANILA/BEIJING (Reuters) - The Philippines said it was seeking clarification of rules from China's Hainan province that say fishing boats need permission to enter waters under its jurisdiction, which the local government says covers much of the disputed South China Sea.

 

Such a move, if broadly enforced, could worsen tensions in the region. Beijing claims almost the entire oil- and gas-rich South China Sea, rejecting rival claims to parts of it from the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam.

 

The fishing rules follow China's creation of a controversial air defense identification zone in late November above the East China Sea in an area that includes islands at the heart of a bitter territorial row with Japan.

 

Hainan's legislature approved the rules in November and they took effect on January 1, according to the website of the local government.

 

It says foreign fishing vessels need approval to enter from the "relevant and responsible department" of the Chinese government's cabinet.

 

Philippine Foreign Affairs Department spokesman Raul Hernandez said Manila had asked its embassy in Beijing to get more information on the rules.

 

Hainan, which juts into the South China Sea from the country's southern tip, says it governs 2 million square kilometers of water, according to local government data issued in 2011. The South China Sea is an estimated 3.5 million square km in size.

 

The Hainan rules do not outline penalties, but the requirements are similar to a 2004 national law, which says boats entering Chinese territory without permission can have their catch and fishing equipment seized and face fines of up to 500,000 yuan ($82,600).

 

Hainan officials were not immediately available to comment but Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said regulating the use of China's marine resources was a normal practice.

 

"The goal is to strengthen the security of fisheries resources and to openly and reasonably utilize and protect fisheries resources," Hua said at a regular news briefing when asked about the rules.

 

CHINA'S TIES WITH MANILA STRAINED

 

A senior Philippine naval official said the rules were a violation of the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), adding China was unable to enforce such measures outside its territorial waters and its 200-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

 

"This is excessive ... I don't know how this will be implemented but it will be effective only within the 200-mile (EEZ) from Hainan province," said the officer, who declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the issue.

 

Peter Paul Galvez, a Philippine defense department spokesman, said authorities were ready to enforce fishing rules in the Philippines own EEZ, which include regulations on the type of fish that can be caught.

 

Chinese enforcement could depend on the nationality of the fishermen, said Shi Yinhong, an international relations professor at Renmin University in Beijing.

 

"I think Hainan put it out to tell relevant countries we have such a regulation, but how we practice it depends on how bilateral relations are," Shi said.

 

"If ties are good, the regulation may be loose. If not, we will practice it strictly, which means that you have to get approval from us before entering."

 

China's ties with Manila have been especially frosty over the South China Sea.

 

Separately, Japan is set to clarify the ownership of 280 remote islands within its territorial waters and register them as national assets, a move that could rile China.

 

($1=6.05 yuan)

 

(Additional reporting by Huang Yan and Megha Rajagopalan in BEIJING; writing by Dean Yates; editing by Neil Fullick.)

Edited January 9, 2014 by maxiev

[oscartamaguchiblackface]

http://news.yahoo.com/philippines-vietnam-condemn-china-39-fishing-law-103641817.html

 

 

Philippines, Vietnam condemn China's fishing law

http://l.yimg.com/os/152/2012/04/21/image001-png_162613.png By TERESA CEROJANO 17 hours ago 0 shares

 

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippines and Vietnam condemned a new Chinese law that requires foreign fishermen to seek Beijing's approval to operate in much of the South China Sea, but China's Foreign Ministry insisted it has the right do so.

Related Stories

• China fires back at U.S. for criticism on fishing curbs Reuters
• Manila seeks clarification on Chinese fishing rules in South China Sea Reuters
• U.S. says China's fishing curbs 'provocative and potentially dangerous' Reuters
• China says opposed to U.S. criticism of fishing rules Reuters
• A Struggle For Influence in Asia MarketWatch

China's assertiveness in pressing its claims in the strategic waters, which are believed to have significant seabed gas and oil deposits, has unnerved its smaller neighbors and created a potential military flash point. Anger is especially acute in the Philippines and Vietnam, which believe they have strong claims on waters off their shores.

 

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement Friday that the new Chinese regulation "escalates tensions, unnecessarily complicates the situation in the South China Sea, and threatens the peace and stability of the region."

 

Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesman Luong Thanh Nghi said the law and other moves by China in recent months are "illegal and invalid" and seriously violate Vietnam's sovereignty.

 

"Vietnam demands that China abolish the above said erroneous acts, and practically contribute to the maintenance of peace and stability in the region," he said.

 

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Friday that there was no change to existing regulations but a technical amendment.

 

"There is no need at all to reinforce China's long-standing and clear claim of rights and interests over the South China Sea by passing a local regulation," Hua said.

 

"There is nothing wrong with the law and the regulation," she said. "It is because those who read into the law adopted a wrong mindset."

 

The Philippines said it asked China for clarification. It said the regulation, which took effect this month, reinforces China's expansive territorial claims and violates international law, particularly the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea. It also said the rule was contrary to a 2002 declaration that China signed with the 10-member Association of the Southeast Asian Nations, including the Philippines and Vietnam, to refrain from changing the status quo.

 

The Philippines and Vietnam are among the most vocal critics of China's claims over virtually the entire South China Sea, which infringe on their own 200-mile (322-kilometer) exclusive economic zones. China and other claimants have beefed up their navies and stepped up patrols around island groups also claimed by others, increasing the risk of confrontation.

 

The U.S. has also criticized China's move, calling it "provocative and potentially dangerous."

 

But China on Friday asked the United States to stay out, as Beijing prefers negotiations with individual countries. "If the U.S. really wants to safeguard regional peace and stability, it should respect and support relevant countries' efforts to solve problems through direct dialogues and negotiation," Hua said.

 

Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also claim parts of the South China Sea, which is an important global shipping route.

 

___

 

Associated Press writer Didi Tang in Beijing contributed to this report.