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Replacement
of Obsolete Equipment
China is probably the country that have the most out-dated
weapons. The quest for modern technological prowess was substantially
reinforced by the Gulf war which highlighted the glaring inadequacies
of the Chinese equipment. The modernisation programme is seen to
rectify the areas of inadequacies and shortcomings. Though China has
advocated self-reliance in development of indigenous weapons, they
have probably resort to off-the-shelf product due to their present
limited R&D capability while arranging for technology transfer
deals for their long term interests. |
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Unresolved
Territorial Disputes
China
has territorial disputes with India, Russia, Tajikistan, North Korea,
Vietnam, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Burnei and Taiwan30.
Of immediate concerns are the Spratly Islands which is currently being
claim by China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Burnei, Philippines and Taiwan. It
is believed to be rich in oil reserves and minerals; strategically
important as they can control the SLOC and offer possible forward
bases for force projection. Another significance potential flash point
is the dispute with Japan on the sovereignty of the Senkaku (Diaoyutai)
Island group in the East China Sea.
The capabilities of China’s Navy
and Air Force need to be able to exert political and military pressure
when the need arises. This does not conclude that China will resort to
force to claim the disputed islands. Countries such as Malaysia and
Philippines are also acquiring modern aircraft and naval ships for
similar reasons. Moreover, China has shown demonstrated considerable
restraints during the recent incident where Japanese leftists build a
lighthouse on the Senakaku Islands in 1996. In addition, China has
acknowledged the freedom of passage through the disputed waters,
recognised that the claims should based on the United Nations
Convention on the law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and has been willing to
co-operate and pursue peaceful settlement on issues regarding the
Spratlys31. |
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30.
Donald Kerr, World
Directory of Defence and Security,
1995 ( Cartermill Publishing) , p. 105.
Jusuf
Wanandi, “ ASEAN’s China Strategy : Towards Deeper Engagement”, Survival,
Vol. 38, No. 3, Autumn 1996, pp. 122-3.
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