Either way, I am somewhat wary about the arguments the 'Chicoms' (bit dated really isn't it?) use to transmit to the outside world and what they think in
reality. Many of Sun Tzu's theories can be applied in non-conflict scenarios. Just as the US bases some of its strengh on the idea of 'credible threat' (I can't remember the exact phrase), I feel that the same is true of the Chinese. After all, a bluff is worthless if you do not take 'appropriate measures'. The way I see it is that whole 'Taiwan scenario' for China acts as a laboratory simulation for the modernization of the rest of China's armed forces. All of that equipment can be redeployed elsewhere if it suits Chinese 'national interests'.
Maybe it is because I don't like 'simple' solutions or explanations, but I think that the Chinese government strategy is 'bloody devious' (to use a British phrase). When you hold up a mirror to yourself, you see what you want to see, but you cannot see underneath, and that is without even going into the machivellian motives of the various parties. I would really like to hear from some former Sinologists, but they seem to be rather thin on the ground these days.
Regs,
VRN