Sun Zifa/Color China Photos/Zuma Press
Growing arsenals: Chinese tanks take part in a military drill in September 2010 .
Posted on 02/11/2011 8:11:55 PM PST by sukhoi-30mki
Asia's New Arms Race
As China grows wealthier and builds up its military, other nations in the region are taking note—and amassing weapons of their own.
At Mazagon Dock near the southern tip of Mumbai, hidden behind high concrete walls, hundreds of Indian workers are putting the finishing touches on the hulls of two 217-foot Scorpène-class attack submarines, the first of six slated to be built over the next few years.
Nearby, workers are adding to India's fleet of stealth frigates and guided-missile destroyers.
One big reason India is beefing up its arsenal: China.
"It goes without saying that India must be seriously concerned with the rise of China's strategic power, including its military and economic power," says Ashwani Kumar, member of parliament from India's ruling Congress party. "India has consistently opposed an arms race—but India will not be found wanting in taking all measures necessary for the effective safeguarding of its territorial integrity and national interests."
From the Arabian Sea to the Pacific Ocean, countries fearful of China's growing economic and military might—and worried that the U.S. will be less likely to intervene in the region—are hurtling into a new arms race.
In December, Japan overhauled its defense guidelines, laying plans to purchase five submarines, three destroyers, 12 fighters jets, 10 patrol planes and 39 helicopters. South Korea and Vietnam are adding subs. Arms imports are on the rise in Malaysia. The tiny city-state of Singapore, which plans to add two subs, is now among the world's top 10 arms importers. Australia plans to spend as much as $279 billion over the next 20 years on new subs, destroyers and fighter planes.
Together, these efforts amount to a simultaneous buildup of advanced weaponry in the Asia-
(Excerpt) Read more at online.wsj.com ...
Sun Zifa/Color China Photos/Zuma Press
Growing arsenals: Chinese tanks take part in a military drill in September 2010 .
And this is just the beginning. Watch for legal changes in Japan permitting them to export weapon subsystems, then finished weapons a bit, then a LOT of finished weapons.
Asian doubts about US ability, Asian misgivings about US will, Asian worries about US reliability.
As some would say- a target rich environment.
US power can ebb and flow depending the leadership. I think US allies understand this and will be able to wait out the Obama administration.
Its a muddled business. In my opinion the last four presidents have been sub-par.
China is going to need a strong military to defend it’s recently purchased mineral and oil assets in African and the Middle east.
And they won’t care about Human Rights when they do so....
“Tanks, near tank”
“Identified”
“Up!”
“Fire...”
“On the way...”
“Target...”
Repeat as necessary...problem solved :)
Regards,
Podcast with iTunes not yet up for today.
The list :
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