With the confusion and disruption caused by the SARS epidemic in Asia (China in particular) what is the effect on the readinesss of the People’s Liberation Army, Navy and Air Force.
Would now be the time to exploit such a weakness? What countries are in a position to take advantage of this situation? Would India or Viet Nam use this to take/retake territory they claim? Russia is probably not in a situation to take advantage, but maybe forces in central asia (the countries ending in -stan) could be leveraged against China.
Any thoughts?
Scott
By: alex - 17th May 2003 at 16:45
Why isn’t Russia in any position to exploit any of China’s weakness’s?
I know Russia still has economic problems and security issues in Checnya and places ending in ‘stan – but Russia still wields an impressive sword!
Don’t forget Russia has been fighting guerilla wars in the past twenty years and not open wars which its forces are equipped for, Russias dismal record against the Chechens has stained a rather effective force meant to fight against other armies such as that of China where T-80Us would face off against mainly poor copies of the T-55.
Despite the fact that China has “X” amount of Type 98s in service and some T-80s – the main force still consists of obsolete tanks and AFV’s.
Plus take into account Russia has now got years of experience in “unconvientional warfare” from Afghanistan and Chechnya to exploit – whereas China has been in a couple of scuffles with the Vietnamese over the Spratleys and minor fighting against muslim insurgents from the ‘stan countries to the North West.
I know pay will enter into this somewhere along the lines but consider this – Chinese regular troops are poorly trained, underpaid, lack motivation and are equipped with poor equipment. Russian troops are underpaid and poorly equipped in certain areas but have years of experience and a devotion to service when they are fighting in defence of their homeland.
A lot of troops on both sides would probably desert, but equipment would be the deciding factor and this is where Russia has a slight upper hand. 🙂
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May 13, 2003 at 12:47 am