PLAN invited to participate in RIMPAC for first the time (2014)

Re: PLAN overseas deployment and excercises a list

Jeff Head said:

Well, we talked last year about this likelihood, about a Type 052C, a Type 054A, and a supply ship...and now they are doing it and adding the Peace Ark to boot.

The PLAN is putting its best foot forward and this is good to see.

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Any significance to PLAN sending the older Haikou, DDG 171 (laid down in 2003, commissioned in 2005), rather than the newer 052Cs laid down seven years later? What are the differences between the original two (DDG 170 and 171) and the four (DDGs 150, 151, 152, and 153) new ones?

Re: PLAN overseas deployment and excercises a list

Blackstone said:

Any significance to PLAN sending the older Haikou, DDG 171 (laid down in 2003, commissioned in 2005), rather than the newer 052Cs laid down seven years later?

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No, I don't think there is any real significance, other than 171 has been out there longer, is well exercised, and the crew is also well trained and familiar with all aspects of their vessel. I think that would be more the reasoning.

Blackstone said:

What are the differences between the original two (DDG 170 and 171) and the four (DDGs 150, 151, 152, and 153) new ones?

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Not much externally. We cannot say internally, but the systems look the same. .The real differences occurred with the Type 052Ds.

Re: PLAN overseas deployment and excercises a list

Jeff Head said:

Well, we talked last year about this likelihood, about a Type 052C, a Type 054A, and a supply ship...and now they are doing it and adding the Peace Ark to boot.

The PLAN is putting its best foot forward and this is good to see.

Click to expand...

The confirmed package is a sizeable presence, alas a bit overkill because they won't be taking part in the combat scenario of the RIMPAC.

With such package, they can do a round-the-world cruise after RIMPAC.

Re: PLAN overseas deployment and excercises a list

MwRYum said:

The confirmed package is a sizeable presence, alas a bit overkill because they won't be taking part in the combat scenario of the RIMPAC.

With such package, they can do a round-the-world cruise after RIMPAC.

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The relatively capable group is meant to send a message and project an image. Of course, they don't need a 052C and 054A for the exercises they'll be doing, but sending an 052 and an 053H3 would send the wrong message (and arguably be unreflective of the true state of the present PLAN as well)

Re: PLAN overseas deployment and excercises a list

MwRYum said:

The confirmed package is a sizeable presence, alas a bit overkill because they won't be taking part in the combat scenario of the RIMPAC.

With such package, they can do a round-the-world cruise after RIMPAC.

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Not overkill at all.

The Hospital ship is involved in a separate, 1st of kind exercise involving it and a US hospital ship.

The DDG and FFG are going to be involved in a maritime security exercise...which does involve lower threat level types of combat and coordination. Hvving two vessels in that exercise means they will probably have one of the largest participations in it.

The AOR is there to refuel and provision them.

A very nice force for their expected exercises. I expect the PLAN with their professionalism, will make quite the impression.

Re: PLAN overseas deployment and excercises a list

Jeff Head said:

Not much externally. We cannot say internally, but the systems look the same. .The real differences occurred with the Type 052Ds.

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I think there was definitely a difference in the CIC, when we see recent pics of 151 exercising with the Russians, and of the CIC of the first pair. Wider CIC, with two versus one "main" screen, and what looks like a few more individual consoles too.






I expect there were other smaller internal changes too.

Re: PLAN overseas deployment and excercises a list

Bltizo said:

The relatively capable group is meant to send a message and project an image. Of course, they don't need a 052C and 054A for the exercises they'll be doing, but sending an 052 and an 053H3 would send the wrong message (and arguably be unreflective of the true state of the present PLAN as well)

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But when considering the raised hostility (almost Cold War pitch) in the overall Sino-US bloc atmosphere, plus all the sabre-rattling from the Capitol Hill and White House this week, deploying a "lesser" fleet or even pull out in protest would be a more fitting message, instead of such "business as usual".

Re: PLAN overseas deployment and excercises a list

MwRYum said:

But when considering the raised hostility (almost Cold War pitch) in the overall Sino-US bloc atmosphere, plus all the sabre-rattling from the Capitol Hill and White House this week, deploying a "lesser" fleet or even pull out in protest would be a more fitting message, instead of such "business as usual".

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Would a lesser fleet be interpreted as weakness or technological backwardness rather than an olive branch?

And more importantly, would it make sense to extend an olive branch in the first place, whether it is in the form of sending a less capable couple of ships or not?

I'd say no to both counts.

Re: PLAN overseas deployment and excercises a list

Bltizo said:

Would a lesser fleet be interpreted as weakness or technological backwardness rather than an olive branch?

And more importantly, would it make sense to extend an olive branch in the first place, whether it is in the form of sending a less capable couple of ships or not?

I'd say no to both counts.

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When what the US is doing right now is pointing a very big gun at China and expect a white flag in return, have China to extend an olive branch is pointless if not stupid. That said, current Sino-US relationship isn't in the level that China should join such an exercise, else the US government won't realise the gravity of situation in East Asia right now.

Re: PLAN overseas deployment and excercises a list

MwRYum said:

When what the US is doing right now is pointing a very big gun at China and expect a white flag in return, have China to extend an olive branch is pointless if not stupid. That said, current Sino-US relationship isn't in the level that China should join such an exercise, else the US government won't realise the gravity of situation in East Asia right now.

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Facts on the ground, troubles are actions of Japan, Vietnam & Philippines with suspicions US condoning the behaviors of these provocative measures. China should not risk a better relation with US and in spirit of cooperation this exercise fit very well into the few open communication between the PLA and US military.

China should have more such military to military contact with US, to have more understanding and avoids miscalculation. Understand the motivation and desires of each military and continue the effort what their political leaders have agreed on this relationship.

Those issues are separate and disputes that can be solve if both party willing to sit down and discuss. Give it time, when rational and cooler heads prevail. It's not an unsolvable problem.