MikeLigalig.com

The PLAN's Carrier Battle Group headed by the LIAONING, its first nuclear super aircraft carrier and support ships, including destroyers, light cruisers, frigates, and submarines, made a show of force to ASEAN countries and the United States. The Carrier Battle Group performed deep within the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea).







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The airwing that complements the LIAONING is composed of PLAN's J-15 air tactical fighter.









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This ship has a 53,000 ton displacement, with a maximum load of 67,000 tons. It carries a heavy variety of air units; 30 of the J-15 air tactical fighters, and 24 helicopters. For deterrent, she carries 8 AK Anti aircraft guns, 8 CIWS (closed in weapon systems), 12 launch pods for anti-ship missiles, and 18 launch pads for TOR missile systems (surface to air defense). She has a generous array of anti-submarine capability as she has 60 anti-submarine rockets.

She is, indeed, quite the pickle.... 

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They (China) are doing this to counter US presence in around the region. In my opinion, however, I do not think that they will strike any ASEAN countries, that would result in unwanted global response to their image. They have already sent a battle group into the IOR (Indian Ocean Region) to press their interests there.

They have aided Pakistan build a naval port in Gwadar, as well as courting Sri Lanka's government to build a port on their coast. The Chinese, unlike what media is reporting, is placing more emphasis not on East Asia or South East Asia, but in the IOR and abroad. In particular her interests in Africa, in which she has multi-billion dollar infrasctructural investment projects.

They know that any military provocations in SEA / WPS will result in unwanted American response; to which China does not have the resources to counter at the present moment. In 2 decades, however, when their naval power is expected to ecclipse that of the United States,...it will be more "open game".



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depending on whose side the authors of some articles and analyses are on, we can either believe that this exercise (made in late november 2013) was done in a "safe corridor" of a disputed sea, or as a warning to its neighbors who have "developed their naval capabilities".  what a doublespeak.

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This year, the Philippine Air Force will receive 12 new F-50 tactical fighters from South Korea. So, at least, the Philippine Air Force will have the capability to protect the nation's air sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea. When the Philippines acquires more air units, and 3 additional frigates, the nation will have a credible defense against foreign threats.

I believe that the Philippine Army and Philippine Marines can hold the ground against Chinese infantry.

It is important that the Philippine Air Force receive the 12 tactical fighters as planned. Without it, the army and marines will be vulnerable to air strikes.

President Aquino, please, get those planes !

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