PLAN invited to participate in RIMPAC for first the time (2014)
- Thread starter Jeff Head
- Start date
Yes, that was a part of the original announcement that was included with the very first post on this thread.
But having the one that participates in the actual exercises and how many they actually send to Hawaii for "goodwill,"will more than likely two different things.
MwRYum
Major
If it's such lowest-tier, limited participation, then PLAN won't even need to send their newest ship, hell they won't even need to send any major surface combatant grade ship, training vessel PLAN Shichang with helicopter detachment for participating SAR exercise will be more than sufficient, and it can bring its own stores for the round trip.
That is probably true...but then, IMHO, it would be an opportunity wasted.
Much better to come with a very decent vessel, like a Type 071 and its escorts, so as to make as good and lasting an impression of both willingness to engage, and strength, as possible.
But we shall see what they do.
MwRYum
Major
Look, this is like being invited to the swankiest party in town BUT only allowed stay outside the door, with no seat and served just a bag of roasted peanuts and a glass of water with spit in it, while everyone else get full course royal treatment, then what's the point of come dressing in your Sunday's best, eh?
In reality, it's just US want to tell the world "yeah we did invite China, we showed good faith" while in reality China can only observe, or participate, the least significant portions of the exercise...meanwhile, every other participants can laugh their socks off over the cold treatment China gets at dinner party.
China really don't need to bring anything nice, just adequate for the allotted event and bring more observers and recording equipments. Unless the PLAN plans for a long distance (or round the globe) cruise and made the Pearl Harbour one of their stops, there's really no point to bring major surface combatants along because they'd be idling at Pearl Harbour during the RIMPAC exercise anyway.
So unless China is invited to the more core-level events of RIMPAC 2014, Shichang with Z-8s (in SAR mission package) is more than enough.
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vesicles
Colonel
Well, if china only send a small old ship, that only confirms what others think of it: a poor country with low tech. People will say: what's the point of inviting them anyway? The US made the correct call of only letting them play limited role.
Using your party metaphor, if you show up wearing geekiest cloth and wacky hairdo, people will applaud the host for their decision of not allowing you to enter the house. However, if you show up in a fanciest limo, in a fancy tux with two hottest girls dressed in hot mini skirts and heels. What do you think the people will say? They would wish to stay outside with you because you are the cool one now.
So in my opinion, show up with the best you can send. At the least, the soldiers and officers sent to the mission will be able to walk around town proud.
asif iqbal
Lieutenant General
Yeah China needs to take a step forward with its best foot, they should send in a Type 054A or Type 052C anything less is unacceptable
MwRYum
Major
It's not like if PLAN go in with nicer ships the US will change the RIMPAC 2014 plan on the fly to give PLAN more access anyway, topics and packages already decided. It's still the lowest of the low level participation they are allotted , and the overall US policy still consider China as the enemy, China gains nothing by showcasing their best gear in such event, because there's no chance to put it into paces anyway. Thus the least the US and the others learn about the PLAN the better.
Nothing China do would change the others' mind anyway, thus it's better to play along, learn as much from the others despite how little they got access to, but keep up the appearance, then catch the US and Japan pants down when shooting war erupts.
This level of access PLAN can learn next to nothing valuable - very low level of joint-op, no combat scenario...it's not surprising because to the RIMPAC bloc China is the enemy, or the not-so-explicitly implied OpFor over the years.
In any case, the US never true heartedly want PLAN participation, PLAN might be better off just send observers instead...sail for the Somalia expedition give them more practical experience then whatever they'd be allowed to glean at RIMPAC.
ladioussupp
Junior Member
Can PLAN send a ship full with ESM/ELINT equipment, although US and coalition Navies may silence RF emissions? If "good faith" is not considered, which men-of-war is the most appropriate candidate?
I sure hope they put some extra ESM/ELINT on whatever ship they send