Integrity Score 390
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Dragon’s Teeth and Dragon’s Brain continues.....
In many respects, it is the PLA Navy (PLAN) that should be the most
worrisome for India, as it can operate without fuss even in peacetime,
preparing for the time when it may be needed. The PRC has been giving a
lot of emphasis to the PLAN. From its combatant force-structure, it can be
seen two clear aims, for which it is seemingly purpose-designed. The first
and possibly most important for the PRC is the task of keeping the
powerful US Navy away from its eastern seaboard. This shows in the same
way that the old Soviet Navy, which had the same task as primary, with the
acquisition of surface combatants like the Sovremenny-class destroyers.
With enough of these the PLAN will have a near blue-water capability in
the desired role. Of course, these are supported by a large and growing
submarine fleet along with state-of-the-art torpedoes, missiles and air
defence capability, as well by modern land-based integral air cover. The
combat aircraft being inducted include J-8 II fighters and JH-7 fighterbombers, which reduces the PLAN’s vulnerability on the high seas and add
to its survivability.
A US Department of Defence report on China says that it was enhancing its strategic strike capability by fielding a new range of missile systems for submarines that would give China a more survivable nuclear force. The Overseas Chinese, or non-resident Chinese are a visible and progressive community all over the world, and even run two separate states of their own, Taiwan, and the strategically-located city state of Singapore. But it is the ‘Undersea Chinese’, in terms of their submarine arm which concerns India most, particularly with reference to the southern Bay of Bengal area.
To be continued......