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The
PLA's conventional capabilities are impressive, enhanced by recent
acquisitions to improve mobility and force projection capabilities. The
2.2-million-ground forces have 18 motorized infantry or armored
divisions, the navy commands a 5000-man marine brigade, and the air
force has an Airborne Corps of 3 divisions15.
The air force has improved its aerial combat potential with the purchase
of a squadron of 26 Su-27 fighters. The Navy also continues to transit
from coastal defense to a blue-water force with the upgrade of the
frigates and acquisition of the Kilo-class submarines. Table 2 shows the
transfer of major conventional weapons and military related items from
Russia to China (1990 to 1995). China is also believed to have acquired
air-to-air refueling technology from Iran and assistance from Israel in
air defence, air-to-air missiles and anti-tactical ballistic missile
technology16.
Other acquisition include 2 Sovremenny-class Guided Missile
Destroyer to be delivered by 199917. |
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15.
IISS, op.cit., pp. 176-179.
16.
Bates Gill and Taeho Kim, “China’s Arms Acquisitions from Abroad, A
Quest for Superb and Secret Weapons”, SIPRI
Research Report 11, Stockholm International Peace Research
Institute, pp. 68, 81-87.
17.
Gary Klintworth, “China Buys New Warships; Raises Concerns about
Security in Region ”, Straits
Times, 11 February 97. |
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