I suppose someone in the VN logistics will be getting a kickback. You know, like a congressman here.
I’m picturing one of the PLA’s new flying boats anchored near one of the atolls they’ve commandeered. One torpedo = one former flyable aircraft.
The last major ‘military’ clash China was involved in was not over land, but in the sea with Vietnam in 1988. Chinese and Vietnamese patrol boats engaged in standoffs as recently as a few months back over the Paracel Islands. Building up your land and air forces do little to strike at China’s Achilles Heel-its need for Middle Eastern oil. A handful of subs make a difference to that.