Posted on 01/06/2002 10:53:20 AM PST by super175
Russia has secured a US$1 billion (HK$7.8 billion) contract to supply China with two modified Sovremenny-class destroyers, a report said.
The announcement, made against the backdrop of an accelerated military build-up by Beijing and Taipei, follows Washington's offer last year of its biggest arms package to Taiwan in a decade - including four Kidd-class destroyers.
Sovremenny destroyers pack more firepower than their older Kidd counterparts. Moscow has already shipped such warships to China, assembled from hulls laid down in the Soviet days.
Itar-Tass news agency said the two new 956-EM vessels were due for delivery in four years and would be an upgrade on the first batch. The warships would be built at the Northern Shipyard company in Russia's second city, St Petersburg.
"Russian designers have managed to significantly improve combat performance of all weapons to be installed on the destroyers ordered by the Chinese Defence Ministry," said Vladimir Yukhnin, who oversaw the modifications.
The report said each new warship would carry one dedicated helicopter. It quoted a government source as saying the value of the deal, signed on Thursday, exceeded US$1 billion.
Jane's Defence Weekly last year reported that Russia was facing difficulties in building the ships as manufacturers of some key components had remained beyond its borders in the wake of the Soviet Union's 1991 break-up.
Russian arms trade officials said late last year that they saw "a huge export potential" for Sovremenny-class destroyers.
China is a leading client for Russian arms manufacturers, which raked in more than US$4 billion in export sales last year.
Russia's lower house of parliament last month ratified a groundbreaking friendship treaty with China which recognised Beijing's sovereignty over Taiwan.
Everyone and his brother with money to invest moved to Australia, Canada, or the USA...
They still might operate in Hong Kong or wherever, but they have their parachutes ready and in place.
With the US included, not many people want to see a big old free for all in China. Hence even though not very many people like them, the ruling body gets propped up.
Also don't forget that Russia is making money hand over fist on something that would otherwise just rust away.
China doesn't need to use the ship against Russia. China and Russia have ended the border disputes that has last for 300 years. THe ships and aircraft are to be used for Taiwan and South China Sea.
Riots in the streets= mass migration into Russia. It might be illegal for the Chinese to do that, but its better than getting shot, beat up, or living in lawlessness.
The Chinese attitude towards Russia is pretty mixed. Russia doesnt pose a therat to China now and will not prevent China from taking over Taiwan.
>> more likely a taiwan style democratic transition.
I don't expect a multiparty system appear in China. A multi-faction ruling party can do just as well, like the Liberal Democratic party in Japan.
>>And conflict with the U.S is inevitable.
That's true in terms of conflict of interets. China is trying to compete for the regional power.
The leaders may have some sentiment, but decades of propaganda has left the average chinese person deeply suspicious of both Russia and the U.S.
I think so too. So much propaganda...
AS for the government collapse predicted by many freepers here,...
There is definately pressure I think. I don't think recognizing such instability is all to far fetched. However...
I really don't think that will happen, more likely a taiwan style democratic transition.
I think this is probably what will happen too. This however does not contradict that a meltdown is possible and instability present. The other powers in the world don't want to see chaos.
Actually I would prefer this method of slow democratic reform, but I recognize many people refuse to give up power. China loses no dignity by having internal changes. The last 20 yrs of reform have brought joy, and the next 20 can bring joy also, if they are properly pursued. Abandoning old rhetoric, propaganda, and dictatorship is what will increase China's position in the world. Military alone will not, in fact it will hinder the prospects greatly.
Reform will bridge the gap between the Mainland and Taiwan and the Mainland and everyone else for that matter. This is BY FAR the best option for everyone. Check out post #21 in the link I posted.
The problem between Taiwan and China is at least partially spurred on the notion that not everyone is equal and that the CCP is a superior body. There are too many @ss^%$#s in China whose arrogance dictates. They don't want to give up anything, especially their pride, even when those sacrifices mean a better long term life for the vast majority. They are just selfish a greedy. They just hope to cement themselves and their family into power forever.
Those people on the inside are the ones I prefer to see and work with. There are some smart and quality people in China, however there are also those who don't want to change anything.
Either way China will become exceedingly strong and powerful in the decades to come.
Powerful in what sense of the word? Read the thread I posted above. China is going to grow relative to itself I think, and they might be able to build a big military, but in real terms I don't think China will be so great. Does power only come from the military?
And conflict with the U.S is inevitable.
If appropriate reforms take place and the truth is told, there won't be so much conflict between China and the US. The propaganda dept of the CCP has engineered so much history it is no more than stoking these lies.
So basically there will be a war with the U.S no matter which type of government China chooses.
It could be so, but I don't think it has to be that way. China is stuck in ignorant and beligerant thinking, refuses to learn or accept the truth about the West or the past. If China goes to war it will be sheerly because of its own ignorance.
If China refuses to see the light and that they do not own the East China Sea, or the South China Sea, that they do not have power over the Philippines, Korea, or Vietnam...
If China insists on restoring a feudal monarchy, then I hope China gets humilitated.
China has this chip on its shoulder and blames everything on America. Chinese assume no blame for anything.
The Chinese are wallowing in their comfort zone. It is almost like they are riding a tiger at times...
They don't want to admit that the Communist Revolution might have been wrong, among many other things...
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