Flashpoint Taiwan Straits - A look at one of the most dangerous places in the world!

I think this is a very well written article and should open some eyes.


Flashpoint Taiwan Straits - A look at one of the most dangerous places in the world!




by Kenneth B. Sherman
Mar. 16, 2005

In May 2004, a flotilla of Chinese warships sailed slowly down the length of Hong Kong's Victoria Harbor in an effective show of force. Officially, the People's Liberation Army described the visit as "an event to honor the PLA Navy's 55th anniversary." Clearly, the subtext was that the People's Republic of China (PRC) was striding confidently on the world stage. This display – the first since the colony's return to China in 1997 – came as pro-democracy advocates were grumbling about Beijing's clamp-down on any appearance of self-determination for the former British colony. Two guided-missile destroyers (Shenzhen and Harbin, Sovremmenyy-class guided-missile destroyers purchased from Russia), four guided-missile frigates, and two submarines with their crews standing topside in dress whites demonstrated China's military strength.

While Hong Kong was the venue where Beijing showed the flag, clearly it hoped other eyes were watching as well. Previous demonstrations have been more forward. In the fall of 2003, Beijing sailed a Type 035 Ming-class submarine through the Osumi Strait, about 25 miles off Japan's coast. Startled, Japan didn't know about the presence of this sub until it surfaced. Japan then responded by trailing it with one of its P-3C aircraft. Embarrassingly, the Type 035 is a remodeled Romeo-class submarine, an antique design based upon the German Type-21 U-boat of 1944. Just to make sure no one missed the point, the diesel-electric sub flew the PRC's red flag. The sub then submerged and went on its way, leaving an agitated Japanese public to wonder what the hell had just happened and what it meant.

The submarine reportedly belonged to the East Sea Fleet of the PLA Navy and may have sailed from Zhoushan, in Zhejiang Province. This fleet's major mission is reportedly focused exclusively on Taiwan. It is also capable of blockading the East China Sea and hence stopping US aid from the sea.



China a looming Threat?