[Mohoender]

Originally Posted by RN7

The "missile doesn't threaten US power in any way", yet "I would think it to be a fair answer to US naval power". Well if its a fair answer to US naval power it must be of some threat, because if it wasn't it would be fairly useless do you not think?

It is a threat and not a threat. It is a threat as it could negate US capability to efficiently deploy a task force next to China but at the moment the only existing threat is that of US task forces. The goal of China (IMO) is not to threaten US in any way but to avoid being threaten by US. It is not a threat because it doesn't threaten US capability anywhere outside of seas close to China.

Originally Posted by RN7

I'm sure the US administration has many simulated plans to attack China.

I'm pretty sure they have some but I'm not convinced that US consider China a threat. In fact, I think that both countries will tighten their relations over the coming times.

Originally Posted by RN7

It would probably lead to an end to US-Chinese trade and the collapse of the Chinese economy.

Someone else already said what I'm thinking. Actually, world economy would collapse.

Originally Posted by RN7

The ship would be of some size to carry ballistic missile, perphaps the Russians gave them blueprints for the Kirov Class battlecruiser. And if the US put ABM systems on its ships I don't think Russia would be to happy.

Submarines could be enough. Then I don't think it to be planned.

Originally Posted by RN7

I haven't currently read anywhere about the US complaining about this weapon system, which probably means the US military doesn't rate it seriously.

Or exactly the opposite. The main point is that US and China are not anywhere close to some tensions.

Originally Posted by RN7

So tell me where did I say the Chinese are too stupid then? Also where did I mention Europeans, and what part of an F-22 is made in China? Also wasn't the same argument about western military components being made in Japan banded about 20 years ago, and how dependent on Japan did western militaries become?

I was not thinking about you. I was simply reffering to the too common idea that China is so much behind. Then, I never said that western military was dependent on anyone. Sorry if that wasn't clear.

Originally Posted by RN7

Well ahead of everyone else at the moment, as the only 5th generation aircraft flying is an F-22 and the only outside of technology demonstraters that is likely to seriously come into service over the next decade is the F-35.

Didn't say anything else. It doesn't mean that no one would be capable of making one. However, the only point of fielding a 5th generation aircraft would be to threaten US, what for?

Originally Posted by RN7

Many NATO and developed militaries have ground forces that use equipment that approaches or is equal to that of the US Army/Marines, and some are better trained. Britain's Challenger 2 tank for example has superior armour protection to the Abrams. The US Army and Marines just have far more very good equipment and well trained soldiers than anyone else, and have an air mobility capability and an air and sea logistical capability that is vastly superior to any other country.

I think we perfectly agree. Then, if US can no longer support this logistical capability with its carriers, it is of no more use.

Originally Posted by RN7

Britain's nuclear hunter killer submarine fleet is highly regarded by the US Navy, and if fully operational would make even the US Navy think twice about where it sent her carriers and ships, but fortunately Britain is a close ally.

Did I say anything against the Royal Navy?

Originally Posted by RN7

So what 4.5 generation aircraft does China have or is planning to deploy? The only 4th generation aircraft that I know that China has are the J-10, the J-11 and the FC-1/JF-17. The FC-1/JF-17 was developed with Pakistan is far from a cutting edge combat aircraft. The J-10 was developed with Israeli and Russian assistance, and the J-11 is a development of the Russian Su-27SK. I think the suggestion that 5th generation Chinese combat aircraft coming online over the next decade is wishful thinking. Also I'm aware that China has bought Russian S-300 series long ranged SAM's and has produced them under license, but what imput has France made to Chinese air defences?

My mistake for the 4.5 generation. I'm not sure it's wishful thinking but I'm neither sure that it can't become true. Russia provided the long range sam while medium/short range were developed from French missiles sold to china, including several Thomson CSF systems.

Originally Posted by RN7

Well its never been tested as nobody wants to invade China.

Yes it was to great cost by the Japanese

Originally Posted by RN7

They'd be sent to the bottom of the sea very quickly.

I disagree but that comes from a mistake on my part. I never thought of Chinese naval forces going very far from their coast.

Originally Posted by RN7

The whole debate about the missle system in question and the China's anti-satellite capabilities seems to be based on variations of the DF-21 missile. Development of this missile started in the 1960's, and although sytematic upgrades and the incorporation of new technology have made this missile far more capable than originally designed, the technology is not new or some miraculous breakthrough by China. The fact that China has achieved this shows how far China has progressed in the past few decades, but by looking at Chinese aerospace thechnology based on its air defence and aircraft designs it would be hard to avoid the conclusion that they are being assisted by other countries or utilising foreign technology.

Never said it was a breakthrough. What you say about China being assited by other countries is perfectly right. So is UK, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, India, USA... Nowadays it is the case for everyone.

What I'm thinking, however, is that China wants to treat with USA as equal. I think that the missile in question is their best option to achieve that.