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>>Those anti-ship missiles can be launched from aircraft, >>which they have plenty of. They also have several >>Sovremenny class destroyers capable of launching missles, >>and several other destroyers and frigates. They have at >>least 5 nuclear powered attack subs, plus many diesel >>powered subs for coastal defense. Additionally, they have >>facilities in the Panama Canal zone, and who knows what >>they have there. They also have a base in the Bahamas, >>and again, who knows what they have there under wraps.

I certainly share your concern, in fact you could say that there are many things about the Chinese and their tactics that alarm me. However, their so called airforce consists of vietnam era 'fighter jets' and not one of their naval ships are up to standard with those compared to those in the US fleet. Not to mention that the 'fighter pilots' in the Chinese military do not log a 1/4 of flight training as compared to US fighter pilots. If there were ever a conflict with the Chinese and it involved air power, it would be nothing more than a skeet shoot for our US pilots.

As for the panama canal, that situation disturbs me a great deal but if you think about it...who is it closer to...the US or CHina? Do you know how fast and how many troops we could have there in a short time to take control of that zone? Dont forget, the US has an obligation to "protect" the Panama canal and we arent going to let it go when it serves our national interests.

However, their so called airforce consists of vietnam era 'fighter jets' and not one of their naval ships are up to standard with those compared to those in the US fleet.

Although many of their jets are vietnam era, they are acquiring or have already acquired the advanced Russian made Sukhoi SU-27 FLANKER series and the newly developed J-10 strike fighter. They are considered to be the largest military air force in the world with over 6,000 military airplanes and nearly one million active personnel.

THE NEW CHINESE ARMY AIR FORCE

Add the fact that it doesn't take a dogfight to launch air to surface anti-ship missles, and those 6000 warplanes becomes a staggering figure.

Not to mention that the 'fighter pilots' in the Chinese military do not log a 1/4 of flight training as compared to US fighter pilots. If there were ever a conflict with the Chinese and it involved air power, it would be nothing more than a skeet shoot for our US pilots.

Apparently at least some of those Chinese pilots are US trained.

USAF TRAINS THE CHINESE AIR FORCE FOR "COMBAT READINESS" PLAAF AT EDWARDS AFB MAY 1999

If the majority of them are in Iraq, Afghanastan, Bosnia, other such places, how many do you think will be left to defend the United States, let alone the Panama Canal?

Dont forget, the US has an obligation to "protect" the Panama canal and we arent going to let it go when it serves our national interests.

I'd be more worried about incoming missiles from Panama and the Bahamas than any ground forces that may or may not be in Panama.

As for the panama canal, that situation disturbs me a great deal but if you think about it...who is it closer to...the US or CHina? Do you know how fast and how many troops we could have there in a short time to take control of that zone? Dont forget, the US has an obligation to "protect" the Panama canal.........

Chinese soldiers in the Panama Canal! LIVE Webcam! - Thread 4

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