article[s] found via yahoo.com”s news search
China’s influence on an “unstable” Pakistan will grow further and the military and nuclear nexus between them will deepen in the coming years posing security concerns for India, a leading think-tank has said.
By hindustantimes.com

article[s] found via yahoo.com”s news search
Pakistan president woos Chinese energy investment
By forbes.com

article[s] found via yahoo.com”s news search
China plans railway link with PakistanChina plans railway link with Pakistan
By economictimes.indiatimes.com

article[s] found via yahoo.com”s news search
China and Pakistan pledged to step up joint efforts against terrorism Wednesday as the presidents of the two neighboring nations vowed to expand trade and economic cooperation, state media said.
By news.yahoo.com

article[s] found via yahoo.com”s news search
The 7-day joint anti-terrorism drill by Chinese and Pakistani troops in northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region has entered its third day on Monday.
By english.peopledaily.com.cn

article[s] found via yahoo.com”s news search
China and Pakistan have started anti-terrorism exerises in China’s south.
By bigpondnews.com

article[s] found via yahoo.com”s news search
China to declare its N-plans for Pakistan at NSG meetingChina to declare its N-plans for Pakistan at NSG meeting
By economictimes.indiatimes.com

article[s] found via yahoo.com”s news search
China on Thursday vowed to take its military ties with Pakistan to a new high and defended its nuclear cooperation with Islamabad to build two new reactors for the country.
By hindustantimes.com

article[s] found via yahoo.com”s news search
China today vowed to take its military ties with Pakistan to a “new high” and defended its nuclear cooperation with Islamabad to build two new reactors for the country.
By hindustantimes.com

article[s] found via yahoo.com”s news search
China vowed to take its military ties with Pakistan to a “new high” and defended its nuclear cooperation with Islamabad to build two new reactors for the country.
By news.rediff.com

article[s] found via yahoo.com”s news search
China says its civilian nuclear co-operation with Pakistan is peaceful, after the US asks for details on the sale of reactors.
By news.bbc.co.uk

article[s] found via yahoo.com”s news search
China announced in late April the sale of two nuclear reactors to Pakistan.
By atimes.com

Click here for original article
The Chinese Air Force has announced that it has a F-22 type aircraft ready to make its first flight within a year. The Chinese believe this aircraft will enter service within ten years. U.S. intelligence believes the Chinese are nowhere near this kind of capability. But given the quantity and quality of data Chinese hackers have been stealing in the past five years, it’s possible that they have much of the American technology that makes the F-22 and F-35 possible. Some believe that the Chinese also have a F-35 type design in the works as well.

American intel analysts believe that Chinese aviation technology (both design and manufacturing) is not yet capable of producing F-22/F-35 class aircraft. Given the experience with the first two Chinese designed and manufactured jet fighters (J-10 and JF-17), there is much doubt that China is capable of making the leap to F-22 class fighters. The big bottleneck is jet engine technology.

For two decades now, China has been developing the manufacturing technology for aircraft engines, the key component of any high performance aircraft. So far, China has been unable to create the manufacturing technology and personnel skills that are needed to make the engines for their most advanced jet fighters. For example, China is a major customer for Russian RD93 engines (originally designed for the MiG-29), and has bought over a thousand of them. The RD93 engines currently cost about $2.5 million each.

China has been developing a similar (apparently identical) engine to the RD93, the WS-13. Actually, this effort is being aided by Russia, which is selling China technology needed for the manufacture of key engine components. Russia isn’t happy about this, because they don’t want competition in the low cost jet engine market. Then again, China has a history of stealing technology it cannot buy, so the Russians are making the best of a bad situation. China says the WS-13 is nearly ready for service. Maybe, maybe not. Recently, China ordered another hundred RD93s. Building high performance military jet engines is difficult, and China has had problems mastering this kind of stuff. Not that they will not eventually acquire the skills, but until they do, they need the Russian made RD93s. Officially, more RD93 are being bought because China cannot produce enough of their WS-13s.

Chinese engineers also thought they had managed to master the manufacturing techniques needed to make a Chinese copy of the Russian AL31F engine. This Chinese copy, the WS10A, was meant for the Chinese J-10 fighter, which entered service two years ago. But the Chinese Air Force was not satisfied with the reliability or performance of the WS10A, and have ordered another hundred AL31Fs from Russia, in order to continue building J-10s. Meanwhile, Russian efforts to build an improved AL31 for their own F-22 competitor, have run into serious problems. Will the Chinese suddenly do better than their tutors?

The J-10 is the first modern jet fighter designed and built in China. The aircraft is an attempt to create a modern fighter-bomber that could compete with foreign designs. The experiment was not completely successful. Work on the J-10 began over twenty years ago, in an attempt to develop an aircraft that could compete with the Russian MiG-29s and Su-27s, and the American F-16. But the first prototype did not fly until 1998. There were problems, and it wasn’t until 2000 that the basic design flaws were fixed. By 2002, nine prototypes had been built, and flight testing was going forward to find, and fix, hundreds of smaller problems. It was a great learning experience for Chinese engineers, but it was becoming apparent that the J-10 was not going to be competitive with the Su-27s/30s China was buying from Russia. The J-10 looks something like the American F-16, and weighs about the same (19 tons). Like the F-16, and unlike the Su-27, the J-10 has only one engine.

The 13 ton JF-17, which uses the RD93, is meant to be a low cost alternative to the American F-16. It was developed in cooperation with Pakistan. The JF-17 is considered the equal to earlier versions of the F-16, but only 80 percent as effective as more recent F-16 models. The JF-17 design is based on a cancelled Russian project, the MiG-33. Most of the JF-17 electronics (in the Pakistani version) are Western, with Italian firms being major suppliers. The JF-17 can carry 3.6 tons of weapons and use radar guided and heat seeking missiles. It has max speed of nearly 2,000 kilometers an hour, an operating range of 1,300 kilometers and a max altitude of 55,000 feet. China has not yet decided on whether it will use the FC-1/JF-17 itself. This is apparently because China believes its own J-10 (another local design) and J-11 (a license built Russian Su-27) are adequate for their needs. The J-10, like the JF-17, did not work out as well as was hoped.

http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htairfo/articles/20091117.aspx

By polaris

Click here for original article
This is a huge deal. But $1.4 billion is not cheap, can Pakistan come up with enough funding for this purchase ?

LAHORE: China has agreed to sell Pakistan at least 36 advanced fighter jets in a landmark deal worth as much as $1.4bn, Pakistani and western officials said on Tuesday.

China will supply two squadrons of J-10 fighter planes in a preliminary agreement, which could lead to further sales in future, a Pakistani official said.

The official added that Pakistan might buy “larger numbers” of the planes in the future, but denied reports that Pakistan had agreed to buy 150 jets.

Experts describe the agreement as a “landmark” in Pak-China relations.

“The agreement should not simply be seen in the narrow context of Pakistan’s relations with China,” said Abdul Qayyum, a retired Pakistani general. “There is a wider dimension. By sharing its advanced technology with Pakistan, China is … also saying to the world that its defence capability is growing rapidly.”

China has supplied Pakistan with fighter jets for more than three decades. Experts said the sales would be evidence of China looking to expand its military power. “Countries like Iran and possibly some of the Middle Eastern countries would be keen to deal with China,” said one western official in Islamabad.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=20091111story_11-11-2009_pg1_5

By polaris

Click here for original article

May.31 (China Military News cited from indianexpress.com) — In A major setback to Pakistan, the strategic Karakoram Highway that connects China with Pakistan has been closed for over three months now after parts of it were submerged by an artificial lake following a massive landslide in Hunza valley in January. With reports suggesting that the damage could take more than a year or two to repair, the highway may stay closed for a while.

The landslide has led to the creation of a huge artificial lake in the Gilgit-Baltistan area, better known as the Northern Areas in India, along the Hunza river. The lake, which is said to have spread over 24 km and is now over 100 metres deep at certain points, is expected to breach very soon.

Karakoram Highway

The closure of the Karakoram Highway has badly affected the high-volume trade between Pakistan and China as well as military supplies. The highway connects the Gilgit-Baltistan area with Xinjiang province in China and has remained a source of military and strategic concern for India since it was built as a Sino-Pak “friendship highway”. Four years back, the two countries had agreed to further broaden the 1,300 km-highway.

The massive landslide in January, coupled with melting of glaciers in the last month or so, has posed the biggest challenge to Pakistani authorities since the highway was constructed. Engaged in campaigns against terrorist outfits on its western border, the Pakistan army has been on high alert over the past few days over a possible breach in the lake.

Pakistan Army engineers are looking at building a bypass on the Karakoram Highway to re-establish connectivity. Reports indicate that boats are being sent across submerged sections to ferry goods.

With the closure affecting military supplies from Beijing to Islamabad, a Chinese defence delegation recently visited Pakistan to discuss alternative arrangements.

It’s believed that two bridges on the highway, at Gulmit and Shiskat — the former an engineering marvel — are now submerged. The extent of damage and the possibility of building a bypass quickly can only be explored once there is a breach in the lake and the water drains out. By Pakistan’s own estimates, outflow currently is less than 200 cusecs while the inflow is 2400 cusecs. There is little over 100,000 acre feet water in the lake and Pakistan’s estimate is that the lake cannot hold more than 112,000 acre feet. So the breach is imminent any day.

As and when the breach occurs, Pakistan’s disaster management authorities have estimated that 35-40 villages may be washed away. Some 40,000 people have apparently been evacuated to avert major loss of life.

Chinese engineers, along with Pakistan’s Frontier Works Organisation, have constructed a spillway, but work on that too has been affected because of fear of more landslides.

The entire highway has always been viewed as an environmentally dangerous project given that it was built through an ecologically sensitive area and Pakistan, in fact, lost over 800 workers during the construction phase largely due to landslides.

Thereafter too, landslides have continuously disrupted movement on the road. But special arrangements have been made by the Pakistan army to ensure that the road is not blocked for a long time. Pakistan is also concerned about the possible collection of silt in the Tarbela dam, where the water from the lake would flow.

You may also be interested in

• March 30, 2009 — Someone talks about China’s support to Pakistan’s jihadists (3)
• March 27, 2009 — DDG-168 Returns from Pakistan Aman-09 International Marine Drill (1)
• March 17, 2009 — Chinese destroyer leaves after Aman-09 exercise concludes, adding fleet review gallery (0)
• March 10, 2009 — Second phase of AMAN 09 military exercises begins (1)
• January 27, 2009 — Pakistan Navy’s FFG-251 returned from its Sea Trial (2)
• January 18, 2009 — Eight K-8P trainer jets handed over to Pakistan Air Force (0)
• December 18, 2008 — Interview: Chief of the PAF talks about military cooperation with China (5)
• October 23, 2008 — Pakistan strikes deal for Chinese nuclear reactors, even wants J-10 Fighters (1)
• September 28, 2008 — Venezuela close to confirming deal for Chinese K-8 trainers (1)

By admin

Click here for original article

May.25 (China Military News cited from Reuters) —  The commander of U.S. forces in the Pacific said Tuesday that military ties with China are lagging behind the two countries’ other dealings in maturity and sophistication.

Admiral Robert Willard told People’s Liberation Army deputy chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Ma Xiaotian, that it was regretful that military ties were so far behind the “other very mature engagements that occur between our two countries.”

Willard made the comment during the first high-level military talks between the sides since Beijing suspended military exchanges earlier this year in anger over U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, the self-governing island China claims as its own territory.

PLA Navy’s Ka-27 Helicopter imported from Russia

Ma voiced his own frustration, saying Chinese plans for military exchanges with the United States in 2010 had been “seriously disrupted” by the Obama administration’s announcement in January. Washington said Jan. 30 that it would go ahead with a sale of $6.4 billion in military hardware to Taiwan — including helicopters, missiles and other weapons.

Willard is in Beijing as part of a second round of strategic talks, termed the Strategic and Economic Dialogue, that began last year in Washington. The gathering brings together dozens of Cabinet officials from both sides, the chiefs of both central banks and military officers.

“It has been a great pleasure to attend the Strategic Economic Dialogue. I’ve been struck by the maturity and sophistication in the level of exchange between the United States in China in a wide variety of areas,” Willard told Ma. “Regretfully, the military to military relationship, we think, lags far behind these other very mature engagements that occur between our two countries.”

Reporters were ushered out of the room shortly after Willard’s comments and the U.S. Embassy in Beijing was not immediately able to confirm what else was discussed.

China and Taiwan split amid civil war in 1949. Beijing continues to claim the island as part of its territory and has threatened to invade if Taiwan moves to make its de facto independence permanent.

You may also be interested in

• August 21, 2009 — China urges U.S. to remove military relation obstacles, such as Arm Sales to Taiwan (3)
• December 19, 2008 — US admiral wants China military ties resumed (1)
• June 4, 2010 — Chinese Military Impedes Ties to Pentagon, Gates Says (0)
• May 24, 2010 — Wang Presses U.S. on Lifting Export Controls to China (0)
• May 23, 2010 — Chinese delegation meets Pakistan top military leadership, discusses defense cooperation (1)
• May 11, 2010 — China, Cambodia seek to strengthen military ties (0)
• May 4, 2010 — North Korea’s Kim seeking lifeline in China (4)
• May 4, 2010 — China promises trucks for Cambodian military after US rap (0)
• April 27, 2010 — U.S. Seeks to Deepen Military Ties With China, Campbell Says (1)
• March 29, 2010 — China adding missiles near Taiwan: navy official (4)

By admin

article[s] found via yahoo.com”s news search
ISLAMABAD | According to Xinhua, Pakistan and China agreed to further increase military cooperation and strategic communication at all levels so as to overcome the challenges being confronted by…
By defpro.com

article[s] found via yahoo.com”s news search
Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said Monday that Pakistan and China enjoy ” special” relations, which are characterized as “all-weather and time-tested.” Talking to visiting Chinese Defence Minister General Liang Guanglie, Gilani said that the friendship and comprehensive partnership between the two countries has matured over the years into a vibrant multi-dimensional “strategic …
By english.people.com.cn

Click here for original article

May 24 (China Military News cited from Bloomberg) — China pressed the U.S. to provide a timetable for relaxing restraints on technology exports after Commerce Secretary Gary Locke pledged to scale back the number of products covered by the restrictions.

“China is pleased to note the U.S. initiative to relax U.S. export controls,” Wang Qishan, vice premier of China, said at the start of the Security and Economic Dialogue in Beijing today. “We hope to hear from the U.S. side in detail a timetable and road map on gradually removing barriers on high-tech exports to China.”

Chinese officials, business leaders, students and reporters have questioned U.S. restrictions requiring licenses for the export of civilian technology that could have military applications during Locke’s weeklong trade mission to China.

PLA Army’s “Black Hawk” Helicopter in Wenchuan Earthquack

Locke said a review of the controls, which would scale back the number of items covered by the measures and impose tighter restrictions on those items, would be completed this summer.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the Chinese government on non-proliferation and with Chinese companies on export control compliance practices that are consistent with international standards,” Kevin Griffis, a Commerce spokesman, said in an e-mail. Still “the impact of U.S. export controls on high-tech trade with China is extremely small.”

Of the $63.4 billion in U.S. Exports to China in 2009, only 0.3 percent required a commerce license, according to Commerce Department data. Less than 2 percent of all such license applications to China were denied, it said.

Wang also pressed the U.S. to grant China so-called market economy status, a designation that could limit the size of anti- dumping duties on Chinese products. That change requires China to meet legal barriers on labor and foreign exchange, Locke said May 19.

You may also be interested in

• May 23, 2010 — Chinese delegation meets Pakistan top military leadership, discusses defense cooperation (0)
• May 11, 2010 — China, Cambodia seek to strengthen military ties (0)
• May 4, 2010 — North Korea’s Kim seeking lifeline in China (3)
• May 4, 2010 — China promises trucks for Cambodian military after US rap (0)
• April 27, 2010 — U.S. Seeks to Deepen Military Ties With China, Campbell Says (1)
• March 25, 2010 — China, Israel take steps to resume military ties (4)
• March 25, 2010 — China, ROK vow to further military ties (1)
• March 17, 2010 — Iran’s link to China includes nukes, missiles (4)
• February 10, 2010 — Sino-Russian first joint patrol conducted along boundary river (0)
• February 4, 2010 — China dissatisfied with U.S. report on its military build-up (0)

By admin

Click here for original article

May.23 (China Military News cited from onlinenews.com.pk) — A Chinese delegation headed by General Liang Guangile, Minister of Defence and State Councilor of China, called on Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani at General Headquarters on Sunday.

Defense cooperation between the two countries and other matters of mutual interest came under discussion during the meeting.

The Chinese defense minister alongwith Ambassador Lou Zhaohui and other members of delegation also called on General Tariq Majid, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) at Joint Staff Headquarters and exchanged views on regional security situation, bilateral defence relations, measures to enhance military to military cooperation and other matters of mutual interest.

Admiring China’s spectacular economic growth, technological modernization and rapid national development, CJCSC said that China as a vibrant power in global politics and global economy is playing crucial stabilization role in many regions of the world, and especially thanked China for its proactive role in socio economic development and strategic stability of Pakistan.

Terming Pak – China relations as unique, he said that these are solidly anchored on convergence of strategic interests, high degree of mutual trust and are driven by an abiding interest in progress and prosperity of each other as well as promotion of peace and stability in the region. Tariq Majid said that Pakistan – China relations are a classic example of military diplomacy providing solid foundation and continued momentum to strong interstate relations.

The Chinese defense minister lauded the Pakistani people, government and the Armed Forces for their valiant struggle against terrorism and violent extremism. Assuring China’s continued support in diverse fields he reciprocated the desire to bolster bilateral defence collaboration and said that not only the defence ties have been effectively institutionalized, their scope and content have been progressively expanding to include regular defence and security dialogue, mutually beneficially training cooperation, exchange programmes, intelligence sharing, military hardware procurements and defence industrial joint ventures. He also discussed specific measures to give greater depth to this relationship.

You may also be interested in

• May 24, 2010 — Wang Presses U.S. on Lifting Export Controls to China (0)
• May 11, 2010 — China, Cambodia seek to strengthen military ties (0)
• May 4, 2010 — North Korea’s Kim seeking lifeline in China (3)
• May 4, 2010 — China promises trucks for Cambodian military after US rap (0)
• April 27, 2010 — U.S. Seeks to Deepen Military Ties With China, Campbell Says (1)
• March 25, 2010 — China, Israel take steps to resume military ties (4)
• March 25, 2010 — China, ROK vow to further military ties (1)
• March 17, 2010 — Iran’s link to China includes nukes, missiles (4)
• February 10, 2010 — Sino-Russian first joint patrol conducted along boundary river (0)
• February 4, 2010 — China dissatisfied with U.S. report on its military build-up (0)

By admin

Click here for original article
ZDK-03 is based from Yun-8 transport plane.

Pakistan has received its second Erieye radar-equipped Saab 2000, and will also accept its first Shaanxi ZDK-03 airborne early warning and control system aircraft before year-end.

Islamabad has four ZDK-03s on order, with deliveries due to start later this year, say air force sources. The type is a new variant of the Shaanxi Y8 AEW&C aircraft designed specifically for Pakistan.

The Chinese aircraft is powered by four turboprop engines and has a greater range than offered by the Saab Microwave Systems Erieye, the sources say.

The air force recently received its second Saab 2000 surveillance aircraft, and anticipates that it will receive its remaining two in the second and third quarters of this year.

Islamabad signed a mid-2006 contract for Erieye radar-equipped Saab 2000s

Pakistan’s move to source AEW&C aircraft from both China and the West is indicative of its strategy to refrain from being overly reliant on any one ally. The USA imposed military sanctions against Pakistan from 1990 to 2005 in response to its testing nuclear weapons.

The air force’s current fleet includes Lockheed Martin F-16s, Dassault Mirage III and 5 fighters, Chengdu F-7s and JF-17s; a new type developed jointly by China and Pakistan.

In terms of military transports, Pakistan flies Lockheed C-130s, but also operates Ilyushin Il-78 tankers.

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/05/07/341584/pakistan-to-get-chinese-aewc-aircraft-this-year.html

By polaris

article[s] found via yahoo.com”s news search
Mark Hibbs, currently a Senior Associate at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and formerly a well-known and respected correspondent who covered nuclear issues for Nucleonics Week and Nuclear Fuel, reports that China is soon expected to announce the export of two new reactors to Pakistan in addition to the two that it is already working on in Pakistan.
By business-standard.com

article[s] found via yahoo.com”s news search
China tacitly acknowledged on Thursday that it will build two new nuclear reactors in Pakistan in a deal that could re-ignite persistent concerns about proliferation and safety of atomic materials in the restive South Asian nation.
By news.rediff.com

article[s] found via yahoo.com”s news search
China is all set to export two nuclear power plants to Pakistan in violation of the guidelines of the Nuclear Suppliers Group that require NPT signatory states to supply such equipment only with comprehensive IAEA safeguards, a US think tank said today.
By timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Click here for original article

Pakistan Navy test fires missiles in Arabian Sea manoeuvres

In this handout picture released by the Pakistan Navy, a target ship is hit by a missile during a naval firepower test conducted by the Pakistan Navy in the north Arabian Sea on Friday.

Islamabad: The Pakistan Navy on Friday fired a variety of missiles and torpedoes from warships, submarines and aircraft in an intensive firepower drill in the north Arabian Sea. It said the exercise was a message to “nefarious” forces, an apparent reference to India.

“While [giving a reassurance about the] Pakistan Navy’s commitment to defending the motherland, this strike capability would also send a message of deterrence to anyone harbouring nefarious designs against Pakistan,” a Navy statement said after the manoeuvres.

The manoeuvres were aimed at assessing the lethality, precision and efficacy of weapon systems, the statement said.

Newly-inducted weapons systems, including anti-surface missiles on Chinese-made F-22 P frigates and air-to-surface missiles of the P3C maritime surveillance aircraft were among those tested.

An important feature of the drill was the firing of subsurface-to-surface missiles by Agosta 90B submarines.

“The target set was successfully engaged,” the statement said.

Naval Chief Admiral Noman Bashir, who witnessed the event, expressed satisfaction at the operational readiness of the Pakistan Navy fleet, and commended officers and men for their commitment and professionalism.

Area cleared

The weapon firing zone, spread over hundreds of miles, was cleared of all merchant ships and fishing craft during a special operation to ensure the safe conduct of the drill. The missiles fired included the French-acquired SM 39 surface-to-surface missiles, and the AM 39 air launched version of the same missile.

The naval exercise comes after Pakistan reportedly recently acquired 120 Chinese C802 long-range anti-ship cruise missiles to counter the Indian Navy’s BrahMos missiles. — PTI

http://www.hindu.com/2010/03/13/stories/2010031356422600.htm

By polaris

Click here for original article

Mar.24 (China Military News cited from xinhuanet) — Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie met here Wednesday with Yu Woo-ik, the new ambassador of the Republic of Korea (ROK) to China.

Liang said China-ROK relations have developed rapidly since they forged diplomatic ties in 1992, and hailed the two countries’ steady development in bilateral military ties.

Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie(R,front)meets with Yu Woo-ik(L,front),the new ambassador of the Republic of Korea(ROK)to China,in Beijing,capital of China,March 24,2010.

“China is willing to work with the ROK to lift the state-to-state and military ties to a new high,” Liang said.

Facts had proven that a healthy and stable relationship between the two countries and militaries was of great significance to their common development and the regional peace and stability, Liang said.

Liang also briefed Yu on China’s stance on the Taiwan issue.

Yu, once a senior political advisor to ROK president Lee Myung-bak, said he was ready to make his due efforts to push forward the ROK-China relations.

Upon his arrival at the ROK embassy in Beijing last December, Yu delivered a speech on bilateral relations, in which he called on the two countries to lay a firm foundation for the future of bilateral ties.

After Yu assumed office in China, he had met several Chinese officials, including Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi.

You may also be interested in

• March 25, 2010 — China, Israel take steps to resume military ties (0)
• March 17, 2010 — Iran’s link to China includes nukes, missiles (2)
• February 10, 2010 — Sino-Russian first joint patrol conducted along boundary river (0)
• February 4, 2010 — China dissatisfied with U.S. report on its military build-up (0)
• January 21, 2010 — US to hold arms reductions talks with China, Gates says (2)
• January 9, 2010 — China, India hold 3rd round of defense consultation (0)
• January 6, 2010 — China, Singapore seek to further military ties (5)
• January 4, 2010 — Indian Defence Secretary on China visit from January 6 (0)
• December 22, 2009 — China, Kazakhstan to bolster military cooperation for natural gas pipeline Protection? (4)
• December 18, 2009 — China vows to deepen military cooperation with Pakistan (0)

By admin

Click here for original article

ISLAMABAD – The first squadron of fighter jet JF-17 Thunder, a joint Pakistan-China production, was on Thursday inducted in Pakistan Air Force (PAF) fleet.

A special ceremony was held for this purpose at PAF airbase near Kamra Aeronautical Complex, about 50km from here. Chief of Air Staff Rao Qamar Suleman formally received the squadron.

In his address, the Air Chief congratulated the nation and said it is a historic day for PAF and entire nation.

JF-17 Thunder aircraft is an advanced multi-role light combat aircraft jointly developed by Chengdu and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex under a strategic collaboration project. The aircraft is designed to be cost-effective and can meet the tactical and strategic needs of the Pakistan Air Force, and various other air forces.

The production facilities have been set up for the aircraft in Pakistan. The first batch of 50 JF-17 Thunder aircraft has been equipped with the Chinese/Pakistani avionics and missiles, while the later aircrafts are to be equipped with more advanced radars and missiles.

France offered Pakistan its RC-400 radar and MBDA MICA missile for the aircraft.

The serial production of JF-17 Thunder has already started and the production capacity would be gradually taken to 25 aircraft per year by 2011.

About 60 per cent of the aircraft’s frame and 80 per cent of its avionics have 
been manufactured in Pakistan.

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle08.asp?xfile=data/international/2010/February/international_February910.xml&section=international

By polaris

Click here for original article

Feb.02 (China Military News cited from PLAdaily and written by Guo Jianyue and Gao Pengfei) — The Chinese and Russian frontier defense troops accomplished the first joint patrol along the Argun River, an iced Sino-Russian boundary river in the east of Inner Mongolia of People’s Republic of China (PRC), between January 25 and 26.

According to the commander of the Hulun Buir Military Sub-Command of the Inner Mongolia Military Command, the Sino-Russian joint patrol this time not only enhanced mutual trust and understanding between the Chinese and Russian border representative organs, but also laid a more solid foundation for the Chinese and Russian frontier defense troops to construct a peaceful and stable frontier environment through concerted efforts.

Offciers of  Chinese and Russian boundary defense troops

In spite of that the temperature in the Greater Khingan Mountains in the east of Inner Mongolia was as low as 30 degrees Centigrade below zero at 8:30 a.m. on January 25, the Sino-Russian frontier defense troops carried out their joint-patrol along the iced border river as planned.

The patrol personnel entered the iced boundary Argun River from the Chinese territory and then headed northward following the No. 111 border marker before finally arriving at the No. 124 border marker on the afternoon of January 26, covering a distance of 200 km in total.

The personnel participating in the joint patrol had determined on carrying out such tasks as jointly inspecting the order of the covered border section, checking the border markers and greeting the officers and men performing duty at the sentry posts.

Some officers and men from each of the Sino-Russian frontier sentries along the border river were also dispatched to join in the joint patrol in such forms as taking a vehicle and riding a motorcycle or a sled.

It is learned that in the coming summer the Sino-Russian joint patrol by boat will be staged along the boundary Argun River and a Sino-Russian joint military exercise will be carried out to crack down on the cross-border smuggling and sorts of other illegal activities in the Sino-Russian border area so as to guarantee the stability and prosperity in that area.

You may also be interested in

• September 16, 2009 — China and India Governments deny firing by Chinese troops across “Line of Actual Control” (0)
• September 1, 2009 — India says Chinese Helicopter violate Air Space, but China denies it (6)
• February 4, 2010 — China dissatisfied with U.S. report on its military build-up (0)
• January 21, 2010 — US to hold arms reductions talks with China, Gates says (1)
• January 9, 2010 — China, India hold 3rd round of defense consultation (0)
• January 6, 2010 — China, Singapore seek to further military ties (5)
• January 4, 2010 — Indian Defence Secretary on China visit from January 6 (0)
• December 22, 2009 — China, Kazakhstan to bolster military cooperation for natural gas pipeline Protection? (4)
• December 18, 2009 — China vows to deepen military cooperation with Pakistan (0)
• December 18, 2009 — Ma Xiaotian meets representatives of first China-Vietnam young officer exchange activity (1)

By admin

Click here for original article
As PLAN really started to expand in the mid-2000s, we noticed a growing need for naval helicopters. And as military shipbuilding program continued in the past few years, the need for more helicopters only grew greater. In the Sichuan earthquake of 2008, everyone saw China’s lack of helicopters and how that slowed down the rescue efforts. In the recent naval deployments to the Gulf of Aden, PLAN became even more aware of its helicopter shortage. One of the analysts wrote that the 3-ships flotilla to Aden was hampered by only having 2 helicopters. Helicopters have been really important in chasing down pirates and rescuing ships that are under-siege. The Chinese flotilla has obviously been hampered operationally due to this problem. On top of that, PLAN will need more order more naval helicopters for its future carrier and escorts.

The existing fleet of naval helicopters consist of Z-9Cs, different variants of Z-8s and Ka-28s. Ka-28s are used primarily for the destroyers and 054As. In the 90s, the ordered 8 Ka-28s from Russia as part of the Sov purchase for ASW and SAR missions. I think they have added some more Ka-28s since (we’ve seen Ka-28 pictures with newer serial numbers), but the total would still be around 12 to 16. There are about 18 ships in PLAN with hangars designed for Ka-28s (including 4 Sovs, 4 052B/Cs, 2 054 and 6 054As), so they really don’t have enough Ka-28s. You end up with situations where one of these ships would be carrying the smaller Z-9C or with no helicopter at all. Recently, they ordered 9 more Ka-28s from Russia to support the new DDGs and 054As under construction. Six of the nine Ka-28s have already been delivered. I think more Ka-28s are needed before the next generation of naval helicopter becomes available. In the recent years, Z-9s have proliferated in PLA as all of the production bottlenecks have finally been resolved. They are even exporting 6 Z-9Cs to Pakistan as part of the F-22P deal. Surprisingly though, I have not really seen pictures of new Z-9Cs coming into service, even though it appears that PLAN is satisfied with their performance. Despite it’s small size, ASW version of Z-9Cs have been designed to carry torpedoes and dipping sonar. In gulf of Aden, Z-9s have also been put to good use to hunt down pirates. My guess is that PLAN just wants to wait until Z-15 is ready to join service, but that will probably take another 5 years. And finally, Z-8s are making quite a comeback in PLAN. We’ve seen Z-8 productions ramping up in the recent year with newer variants like Z-8K, Z-8KA and Z-8KH joining service with PLA and PLAAF. They are also building civilian versions of Z-8 for firefighting and transportation, but we’ve also seen many new Z-8J/Hs joining service. Z-8J/Hs have been seen operating off 051Cs, 866, replenishment ships and 998. With newer large ships coming into service, I certainly expect to see more variants of Z-8s getting orders. At this point, Z-8s are really too big to operate on any of the destroyers, Frigates or smaller warships, so the current production level is more than sufficient. In general, I think more small and medium size helicopters like Z-9Cs and Ka-28s are needed for all their new frigates and destroyers, but the larger warships are doing okay with all the new variants of Z-8s.

Having looked at the current state of naval helicopter in PLAN, what does the future hold? I think that the current hi-lo combination of Ka-28 and Z-9Cs are nearing the end of their shelf life. The Z-15 and 10 ton helo projects will form the backbone of naval helicopter in the future. Z-15 would take over the role of Z-9Cs on frigates and smaller ships. Compared to Z-9C, it is larger, can carry more mission equipments (whether for ASW or SAR), have longer ranger/speed, have better flight performance and far more advanced avionics. The 10-ton project would take over the role of Ka-28 on destroyers and amphibious ships. It would basically become the Chinese equivalent of SH-60. Recently, we heard the news that China is trying to use European turboshaft engines for Z-15 instead of PWC turboshaft engine. The US government pressure against PWC for exporting PT67 turbo shafts to China put a temporary halt to the Z-10 project. At the same time, China had no problems in continuing Z-9G production, because it obtained all the necessary export licenses to have local production of Arriel-2C turboshaft engine. Fearing that US government might do something similar to prevent PT67 engines from being installed on PLAN Z-15s, China is seeking for alternative suppliers. If the US government somehow pressures the Europeans to also back off, China would then turn to the Ukrainians (Motor-Sich) or wait for a local engine to become available. I think that’s what will happen with the 10 ton helo project. We have not heard much about it, because it is not a collaborative effort like Z-15. We do know that it will most likely start off with an engine from Motor-Sich (which produces engine for Mi-17) before shifting to the domestic engine WZ-10. Since China is developing this alone, I would expect it to finish development after Z-15 joins service. This would also explain why Ka-28 is getting newer orders, while Z-9C is not. And finally, we have seen a recent news that China put in an order for 9 Ka-31 from Russia. Back in 2006, they ordered 15 Ka-31s, but that contract never got fulfilled due to the IL-76 fiasco. I had thought that the Z-8 AEW project would take away the need for Ka-31s, but I guess PLAN does not feel confident that Z-8 AEW will be fully ready by the time Varyag gets fixed up. Z-8 AEW is apparently going to use the new AC-313 (which is a heavily modified version of Z-8 currently under development) as its platform. I can see that Varyag would use mostly Ka-31 and test out some Z-8s. Once Z-8 AEW becomes mature, the future carriers should be using it instead of Ka-31s.

In conclusion, China has ordered 18 kamov helicopters recently, because the domestic options are not ready yet. Once the domestic projects are complete, we can expect to see a force consisting of Z-15 for smaller ships, 10-ton helo for middle ships and Z-8s for larger ships and carriers.

By Feng

Click here for original article
Pakistani officials continue to press the U.S. for missile armed UAVs, so Pakistan can go after targets it selects, and ease the American UAVs out of Pakistan. The U.S. doesn’t trust the Pakistanis, who can be bribed, and often have divided (pro-Taliban) loyalties. Pakistani politicians don’t care, or at least have learned to live with these two problems, and want control of UAVs so they won’t continue getting criticized for allowing American UAVs to deal with hunting down and killing terrorist leaders. This is considered humiliating by many, if not most, Pakistanis. But if the Pakistani government were in charge, the bad guys could bribe, or intimidate officials, to get off the target list. You can’t do that with the Americans. What the Taliban can do is try and find who is supplying the location information of targets. The Americans actually use a wide array of sources, but the only ones the Taliban can get at are suspected spies. More are killed each month, and most are apparently innocent. This sort of thing angers a lot of people, as do a lot of Taliban policies. So the Taliban are taking note of growing public anger against them, and have, for example, allowed music to be sold again. For the last year, the Taliban had waged open, or guerilla, war against merchants who sold music CDs. The Taliban increasingly must use force to control populations, and this eventually backfires because most of the population is armed. If enough angry tribesmen get together, the Taliban are driven out of another town or valley. This has been happening a lot in the last year.

In Quetta, the largest city in Pakistani Baluchistan, two policemen were wounded when they questioned a suicide bomber equipped with a defective bomb. The bomber was wounded and captured. Baluchistan has its own tribal uprising, which has little to do with the Taliban (although the Baluch tribes allow the Taliban to hide out in Baluchistan).

China and Pakistan are becoming closer allies, and this worries India. For example, China is increasingly taking Pakistan’s side in the Kashmir dispute. While Pakistan and India occupy most of Kashmir, China also grabbed 22 percent of Kashmir, and wants a settlement that will confirm their ownership. But India disputes the Chinese claim, and many other such claims along its 4,000 kilometers border with China.

India continues to mass police and troops for a major campaign against Maoist rebels. In the last year, Maoist violence have been responsible for over a thousand deaths (most of them civilians). The Maoists are a combination of political rebels and bandits. Their activities are as often just criminal (stealing and extortion) as political (trying to influence elections or intimidate politicians.) The Maoists have been at it for two decades, and have worn out the support they long had with leftist political parties. The Maoists want a communist dictatorship, with Maoists in charge, and their former leftist allies are not keen on this.

February 3, 2010: In northwest Pakistan, a suicide car bomber rammed the specific vehicle in a convoy of five, that contained three U.S. Army Special Forces troops, killing the Americans. For years, there have been about a hundred of these American troops in Pakistan, used to train NCOs of the Frontier Corps, who then improve the training of these paramilitary troops, recruited from the tribes, who are the primary security force along the border. The accuracy of this attack (the killers knew where the Special Forces troops were headed and which car in a convoy) indicates corruption in the Pakistani security or intelligence forces. The corruption has always been there, and it would have cost a lot of cash to buy this kind of information. It may indicate the Taliban are desperate to strike back at any cost. The three dead Americans are the first to die in Pakistan in a decade of operating there. The three were travelling to a girls school that had recently been rebuilt (after having been damaged by the Taliban) with American aid.

February 2, 2010: In Pakistan (North Waziristan) American USVs fired over a dozen missiles at four villages, killing about 17 suspected Taliban and al Qaeda members.

February 1, 2010: In the Bajaur area of the Pakistani tribal territories, about 4,000 people fled their homes as troops sought, and attacked, nearby bunkers and other hiding places used by the Taliban. At least 22 of the Islamic terrorists were killed. This operation is one of several in which the army is chasing down groups of Taliban who were part of larger forces that were defeated when the army broke Taliban control in the tribal territories.

January 31, 2010: The U.S. announced that the leader of the Pakistani Taliban, Hakimullah Mehsud, was dead, having died of wounds received in an American UAV missile attack two weeks ago. This conclusion is based on reports coming out of the tribal territories of Hakimullah Mehsud’s burial, after two weeks of futile attempts to tend his wounds. Hakimullah Mehsud, replaced, after some internal fighting, the Pakistani Taliban leader who was killed by a missile strike last Summer.

January 30, 2010: In the Pakistani tribal territories, a Taliban suicide bomber killed 17 people and wounded nearly 50. The Taliban have also used several roadside bombs recently, attacking civilians in most cases. In response, the military has increased its air strikes and ground operations against the scattered Taliban groups still operating in the tribal territories.

http://www.strategypage.com/qnd/india/articles/20100205.aspx

By polaris

Click here for original article
China has signaled to set up foreign military bases including one in Pakistan, a Chinese government website said.

“Setting up overseas military bases is not an idea we have to shun; on the contrary, it is our right…it is baseless to say that we will not set up any military bases in future because we have never sent troops abroad,” said the report.

The report also said, “As for the military aspect, we should be able to conduct the retaliatory attack within the country or at the neighbouring area of our potential enemies. We should also be able to put pressure on the potential enemies’ overseas interests. With further development, China will be in great demand of the military protection”.

It is clearly aimed at piling up pressure on India and to counter US influence in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

“As for the military aspect, we should be able to conduct the retaliatory attack within the country or at the neighboring area of our potential enemies. We should also be able to put pressure on the potential enemies’ overseas interests. With further development, China will be in great demand of the military protection,” said the report.

A military base in Pakistan will help China keep a check on Uighurs who are fighting for an independent nation in Xinjiang, which borders the North West Frontier Province of Pakistan.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/China-mulls-military-bases-in-Pakistan/H1-Article1-502952.aspx

By polaris

Click here for original article

Jan.21 (China Military News cited from telegraph.co.uk and written by Dean Nelson) — The US wants to open Cold War-style arms reduction talks with China to prevent future military confrontations, Robert Gates, the US defence secretary, said in New Delhi on Wednesday.

His comments appeared to confirm Washington’s acceptance of China as a military superpower amid growing regional concerns over its build-up in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

China is currently undergoing a major overhaul of its armed forces. Beijing’s increasing number of nuclear submarine deployments have caused alarm in India, which regards China as its main regional rival.

China has further antagonised India by increasing military co-operation with India’s rival Pakistan, which is developing a new deep sea port at Gwadar, and neighbouring Burma.

India’s relations with China have deteriorated following a series of incursions along its disputed Himalayan border and a cyber attack last month on computers used by its top intelligence officials.

Mr Gates said he had discussed cyber security and China’s military build-up with the Indian prime minister and voiced America’s hopes to deepen understanding between Washington and Beijing on the issue.

He had been involved in the United States’ Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) with the former Soviet Union during the Cold War, which he believed had played an important role in avoiding armed conflict between the two countries. He said the same approach could help relations with China today.

“There was discussion about China’s military modernisation programme, what it meant, what the intentions of that military build-up and the desire on our part to engage China in a more routine and in depth dialogue about our strategic intentions and plans to avoid any miscalculations or misunderstandings down the road.

“I was involved in the strategic arms talks (with the USSR). I’m not sure they reduced any arms but the dialogue and candour about nuclear capabilities, how each side looked at nuclear weapons, played a significant role in preventing miscalculations and mistakes during the Cold War. That kind of dialogue with China would be most productive and in the interest of global security,” he said.

You may also be interested in

• January 9, 2010 — China, India hold 3rd round of defense consultation (0)
• January 6, 2010 — China, Singapore seek to further military ties (4)
• January 4, 2010 — Indian Defence Secretary on China visit from January 6 (0)
• December 22, 2009 — China, Kazakhstan to bolster military cooperation for natural gas pipeline Protection? (4)
• December 18, 2009 — China vows to deepen military cooperation with Pakistan (0)
• December 18, 2009 — Ma Xiaotian meets representatives of first China-Vietnam young officer exchange activity (1)
• December 15, 2009 — Chinese, Polish military officials vow to boost cooperation (2)
• December 6, 2009 — US-China military engagement lagging behind: US Pacific commander (0)
• November 29, 2009 — China-Pak military nexus a matter of concern: Indian defence minister (1)
• November 28, 2009 — China, Japan plan first joint military exercise (1)

By admin

Click here for original article
Pakistan, China to enhance military cooperation (MalaysiaNews.net)
us.rd.yahoo.com says: Islamabad, Jan 17 (IANS) Pakistan and China have inked an agreement for further strengthening defence production, staging joint military exercises and training military officers.

originally published at china-defense-mashup.com

Jan.08 (China Military News cited from Xinhua) — China and India held the third round of defense consultation here Wednesday, according to a press release from the Information Office of China’s Defense Ministry Friday.

Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Ma Xiaotian and visiting Indian Defense Secretary Pradeep Kumar jointly presided over the consultation, during which they exchanged views and reached some consensus on bilateral ties, regional security, national defense policies and military exchanges and cooperation.

Soldiers in “Joint Hands-2008″ Sino-India Joint Exercise

During the consultations, the Chinese side expressed its concern to the Indian side over the irresponsible remarks made by a few Indian leaders and some Indian media’s untrue reports.

The Chinese side stressed that both China and India should do more work, which will be favorable for boosting healthy bilateral ties, so as to facilitate the good environment and conditions for China-India relations.

The Indian side said that India’s high-level officials endeavored to clarify the related remarks and those untrue reports and hoped to develop the friendly relations between India and China.

The year 2010, when China will celebrate its “India Year” and India its “China Year”, marked the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Both sides agreed that the two countries should take this opportunity to strengthen mutual trust, promote cooperation and work together for a better development environment as well as the regional and international peace and stability.

The first consultation was held in 2008.

You may also be interested in

• January 6, 2010 — China, Singapore seek to further military ties (3)
• January 4, 2010 — Indian Defence Secretary on China visit from January 6 (0)
• December 22, 2009 — China, Kazakhstan to bolster military cooperation for natural gas pipeline Protection? (4)
• December 18, 2009 — China vows to deepen military cooperation with Pakistan (0)
• December 18, 2009 — Ma Xiaotian meets representatives of first China-Vietnam young officer exchange activity (1)
• December 15, 2009 — Chinese, Polish military officials vow to boost cooperation (1)
• December 6, 2009 — US-China military engagement lagging behind: US Pacific commander (0)
• November 29, 2009 — China-Pak military nexus a matter of concern: Indian defence minister (1)
• November 28, 2009 — China, Japan plan first joint military exercise (1)
• November 28, 2009 — Russian president meets Chinese military leader on cooperation (0)

By admin

originally published at china-defense-mashup.com

December.18 (China Military News cited from Xinhua) — The Chinese armed forces would like to improve friendly and cooperative relations with the Pakistani armed forces, a senior Chinese military official said here Friday.

Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie made the remarks when meeting with Noman Bashir, visiting Pakistani chief of the naval staff.

Pakistan Navy’s F-22P Frigate produced by Chinese Shipbuilder

China attached great importance to its traditional friendship with Pakistan, Liang said, adding that the two countries had conducted comprehensive and multi-level military exchanges and cooperation in various areas.

The Pakistani armed forces and people cherished their friendship with the Chinese armed forces and people, Noman Bashir said, noting that Pakistan would like to work with China to promote the comprehensive and cooperative partnership.

You may also be interested in

• December 22, 2009 — China, Kazakhstan to bolster military cooperation for natural gas pipeline Protection? (1)
• November 28, 2009 — Russian president meets Chinese military leader on cooperation (0)
• November 25, 2009 — Chinese, North Korean Defense Ministers discuss closer army ties (0)
• October 17, 2009 — Chinese General outlooks Long-term strategic Sino-Australia military ties (1)
• September 4, 2009 — China and Slovakia hope to further enhance military cooperation (2)
• September 2, 2009 — Ge Zhenfeng meets Indian Army Eastern Command Head (0)
• August 21, 2009 — China urges U.S. to remove military relation obstacles, such as Arm Sales to Taiwan (0)
• August 21, 2009 — PLA Chief of General Staff Chen Bingde meets U.S. Army chief of staff (0)
• December 19, 2008 — US admiral wants China military ties resumed (0)
• January 4, 2010 — Indian Defence Secretary on China visit from January 6 (0)

By admin

originally published at china-pla.blogspot.com
This appears to be a photo of a New Yuan Submarine. It’s been kind of interesting, because we haven’t seen much of Yuan after the 2nd block (which was about 3 units) were launched pretty close together from late 2007 to early 2008. Anyhow, here is a new Yuan (probably the 5th) that seems to have a little difference from previous Yuans.

The ones below are the photos of the 4th unit of 054A from HuangPu shipyard. I’m actually kind of impressed by how fast this one is progressing, because the 3rd one only got launched a few month ago. In fact, the 3rd one just started its sea trials and the 3rd one from HD shipyard still has a couple of months to go before starting sea trials. The other piece of news with regard to 054A is that the 054A ship that went to patrol pirate is now sailing to Pakistan. I think this could be part of the sales pitch to the Pakistani Navy. Anyhow, where are the pictures:

By Feng

originally published at china-defense-mashup.com

December.18 (China Military News cited from Xinhua) — The Chinese armed forces would like to improve friendly and cooperative relations with the Pakistani armed forces, a senior Chinese military official said here Friday.

Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie made the remarks when meeting with Noman Bashir, visiting Pakistani chief of the naval staff.

Pakistan Navy’s F-22P Frigate produced by Chinese Shipbuilder

China attached great importance to its traditional friendship with Pakistan, Liang said, adding that the two countries had conducted comprehensive and multi-level military exchanges and cooperation in various areas.

The Pakistani armed forces and people cherished their friendship with the Chinese armed forces and people, Noman Bashir said, noting that Pakistan would like to work with China to promote the comprehensive and cooperative partnership.

You may also be interested in

• December 22, 2009 — China, Kazakhstan to bolster military cooperation for natural gas pipeline Protection? (1)
• November 28, 2009 — Russian president meets Chinese military leader on cooperation (0)
• November 25, 2009 — Chinese, North Korean Defense Ministers discuss closer army ties (0)
• October 17, 2009 — Chinese General outlooks Long-term strategic Sino-Australia military ties (1)
• September 4, 2009 — China and Slovakia hope to further enhance military cooperation (2)
• September 2, 2009 — Ge Zhenfeng meets Indian Army Eastern Command Head (0)
• August 21, 2009 — China urges U.S. to remove military relation obstacles, such as Arm Sales to Taiwan (0)
• August 21, 2009 — PLA Chief of General Staff Chen Bingde meets U.S. Army chief of staff (0)
• December 19, 2008 — US admiral wants China military ties resumed (0)
• January 4, 2010 — Indian Defence Secretary on China visit from January 6 (0)

By admin

Changing China

via Can China help stabilise Pakistan?.

World Politics Review: Articles

via Can China Deliver in Pakistan?.

The success or failure of President Barack Obama’s new Afghanistan strategy will depend on numerous international factors, but few loom larger than Pakistan. However, Washington has little credibility and leverage in Pakistan, where mistrust of the U.S. runs high. Enter China. Pakistan’s instability jeopardizes critical Chinese interests, and the time has never been more ripe for Beijing to lean on its longstanding ally….

via China boost to Pak military troubles India.

Warships, fighters, missiles and millions in aid, Islamabad has it all
Ajay Banerjee
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 27
The ongoing military relationship between China and Pakistan is worrying India. Defence Minister AK Antony today hit out at China saying the “increasing nexus between China and Pakistan remains an area of serious concern ….. we have to carry out continuous appraisals of Chinese military capabilities and shape our responses accordingly”.

He was speaking at the 44th foundation day celebrations of the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) in the Capital.

“India wants to develop a friendly and cordial relationship with its neighbours including China. We continue our efforts. At the same time, there are issues that are a matter of concern to us,” he said. Antony’s fears are not misplaced. New Delhi feels the China-Pakistan military nexus is detrimental to its interests and the strategic balance in the South Asian region.

Another area of concern for India is Chinese transfer of equipment and technology for Pakistan’s nuclear weapon programme. China has helped Pakistan build two nuclear reactors in the Punjab province and continues to support its nuclear programme.

China is Pakistan’s largest defence supplier. These include short-range ballistic missiles, fighter aircraft, frigates with helicopters, T-85 tanks, jet trainers, besides arms and ammunition.

Pakistan is scheduled to get the second of the four warships China is building for it next month. PNS Shamsheer, the frigate class warship F 22P, has anti-submarine warfare capabilities and armed choppers on board. In July this year, just days after India had launched its first N- powered submarine, China had handed over the first warship to Pakistan. Three of these ships will be built at a Chinese port, while the fourth one will be built in Pakistan.

Just last week, the two neighbours of India had announced that they were co-developing a fighter jet named JF-17. The production facilities of the same will be housed in Pakistan, while China will provide most of the parts that includes a Russian-built engine. Separately, China has already agreed to supply some 36 J-10 fighters to Pakistan. The single-engine fighter is somewhere close to the Mirage-2000 owned by India.

In the past, the Chinese have supplied Pakistan with K-8 jet trainers, Al-Khalid tanks and Al-Zarar tanks. Both have lower capability than India’s T-90 tanks. China has also supplied small arms and ammunition besides having built a ballistic-missile manufacturing facility near Rawalpindi to develop the 750-km-range, solid-fuel Shaheen-1 missile for Pakistan.

Apart from two nuclear reactors, a huge port at Gwadar near Karachi has been set up with Chinese aid. In the second project, China has pumped in 80 per cent of the expenses, say sources.

However, Antony was hopeful that China would reciprocate India’s initiatives aimed at mutual prosperity and understanding.

via China-Pakistan military links upset India.

India signalled its deep unease over growing defence ties between China and Pakistan when A.K. Antony, the defence minister, said the partnership was a “serious concern” to New Delhi…

via First Pakistan-made JF-17 fighter rolls out.

via India tests nuclear-capable missile.

First JF-17 Thunder multi-role fighter to roll out on November 23, 2009: “The first state of the art JF-17 Thunder multi-role fighter plane produced in Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra will roll out on Monday.

This will kick start a new era in Pak-China relationship, and aviation industry, an official source told APP here Tuesday. Both China as well as PAF attach a lot of importance to this project which is materializing after hectic and laborious efforts”

IntelliBriefs

via To please China, US slights India.

http://www.dailypioneer.com/216752/To-please-China-US-slights-India.html

US President Barack Obama’s China visit has put the writing on the wall in bold: China is the next superpower the world must watch out for. Clearly, the US realises there is little it can do to prevent China’s phenomenal rise and growing influence; it has therefore decided to partner that growth. And, what better way than to use a presidential visit to Beijing to declare America’s most serious geopolitical rival Asia’s Big Boss and cozy up to a major global player in a rapidly multipolarising world. Admittedly, none can deny that China has been moving in that direction with very sure steps; it was only a matter of time before the US acknowledged that. Following his summit with Chinese President Hu Jintao, Mr Obama therefore said, “The Sino-US relationship has never been more important in our collective future.”

Except, the declaration comes at a huge cost for India which, following the Indo-US nuclear deal, was being hailed as a strategic partner of the US, a counterbalance to China’s alarming growth in the region and in the world. While the deal clearly mortgaged India’s nuclear freedom, the Manmohan Singh Government drew false comfort from becoming a “strategic” partner of the US. Mr Obama’s joint statement with Mr Hu now categorically indicates that far from being a possible counter-China presence in Asia India is, in fact, a subject of joint US-China monitoring, a perception Mr Obama has merely offered to “share” with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during the latter’s forthcoming visit to the US.

The Obama-Hu statement begs serious and immediate attention. In a highly inexplicable, unprovoked and offensive manner, the joint statement says both “support the improvement and growth of relations between India and Pakistan”. The casualness with which India has once again been hyphenated with Pakistan is alarming, to say the least. It was indeed an arduous diplomatic drill for India during the 1999 Kargil conflict when the world in unison reprimanded two nuclear neighbours for baring their fangs at each other. However, global capitals soon realised that Indian restraint alone had prompted US intervention which forced Pakistan to back off. In the subsequent years, courtesy some hectic diplomacy by its leadership, India was able to convince the world that it was a mistake to measure the two nuclear armed states with the same yardstick. India’s economic growth and political credibility in the decade that followed finally gave world powers the confidence to de-hyphenate the two South Asian neighbours and deal with India as an emerging global power and with Pakistan as a failed Talibanised state.

As a country that calls India a strategic partner — an unstated tool to contain Chinese hegemony — the US would have surely known what the re-hyphenation of India and Pakistan on Chinese soil meant. Mr Obama may be new in office but surely an American President cannot be ignorant enough about India’s sensitivities to ask China — long seen as Pakistan’s aide in its conflict with India, its prejudices and ploys no state secret — to monitor an arena in which Beijing itself has geopolitical stakes. Is Mr Obama not aware that had it not been for Chinese help Pakistan, a rogue state, would never have acquired a nuclear weapon? Is he also unaware that China is engaged in huge infrastructure building in northern Kashmir so that Pakistan maintains a strategic edge over India? This, apart from the infrastructure build-up along China’s own disputed borders with India that have put a huge question mark on India-China relations of late.

Today the creator of a nuclear monster like Pakistan, with its own reasons to keep India down, has been entrusted the task of monitoring “good relations” between a failed state and a responsible democracy like India. Indeed, India’s stature vis-à-vis Pakistan has been reset to 1998 when a US-China joint statement by Mr Bill Clinton and Mr Jiang Zemin, ordered the two to “resolve peacefully the difficult and long-standing differences between them, including the issue of Kashmir”. Short of saying ‘intervention’ that statement had asserted that the US and China were “ready to assist in the implementation” of the resumption of dialogue between the two countries.

Times — and the language Americans would use with India — were to change in subsequent years, remarkably so after Mr Clinton’s visit to India in March 2000. Notably, after a five-day visit to India, Mr Clinton stopped over in Islamabad only for a few hours. The de-hyphenation had begun. Then came 9/11. With a terror attack on US soil, American engagement in the Asian arena was to change forever, an engagement that would leave India only as a bystander. In hindsight, India’s distance from what transpired in Afghanistan and Iraq and with what is now happening in Pakistan helped it stay above the conflict and prove to the world that the problem in South Asia is not an India-Pakistan border/territorial conflict but an alarmingly growing fundamentalist Islamic terror machinery that knows no borders.

Mr Obama’s visit to China comes at a time when India-China relations are at their pre-1962 worst and when US-China relations are at their all-time best. In such a scenario, for an American President to discuss India with China in the context of peace, stability and sustainable development in the region is patently offensive. Agreed, Mr Obama has to keep China in good humour. After all, the American and Chinese economies have become so interlinked that all other issues, including meeting the Dalai Lama, must be kept on hold. The compulsion is more serious on the American side. Also, it is quite evident that Mr Obama’s AfPak policy is headed nowhere. He is therefore seeking more partners in this theatre of conflict. By ceding China that strategic space the US can make a dignified exit out of a war it could never really fathom. The possible trade off: China minds Iran and North Korea.

In the process, if India’s strategic stature just got dwarfed in Beijing it has only the Manmohan Singh Government to blame. For, its first tenure saw India sign off crucial political leverage with the US in an inexplicably rushed nuclear deal. Its second tenure has seen its abject failure to counter growing Chinese belligerence on the border issue. Laughably, instead of outright rejection or outrage India’s feeble response to the China-US statement is that it is “committed to resolving all outstanding issues with Pakistan through a peaceful bilateral dialogue…A third country role cannot be envisaged nor is it necessary.”

First made in Pakistan JF-17 fighter to roll out on Monday: “

ISLAMABAD: The first state of the art JF-17 Thunder multi-role fighter plane produced in Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra will roll out on Monday.

This will kick start a new era in Pak-China relationship, and aviation industry, an official source told APP here Tuesday. Both China as well as PAF attach a lot of importance to this project which is materializing after hectic and laborious efforts spread over almost a decade, he said.

The PAC has generated all the capability to produce the aircraft locally for its onward delivery to PAF besides materializing purchase orders from abroad.

The JF-17 Thunder a new generation, light-weight, all weather, day/night multi-role fighter aircraft with glass cockpit, hands-on-throttle-and-stick (HOTAS) controls and efficient man-machine interface will ensure a minimal pilot workload.

The maximum speed of Mach 1.6 and a high thrust-to-weight ratio will enable it to perform well in an air defence role. An ability to carry short- as well as long-range air-to-air missiles lends the aircraft a first shot capability.

In the surface attack role, a variety of weapons – conventional as well as precision-guided, a sophisticated avionics suite along with accurate weapon delivery system, ensure higher mission success rate.

An effective ECM suite will greatly enhance survivability of the platform. Its anticipated air-to-air refuelling capability will provide the JF-17 with more loiter time to safeguard the frontiers and the ability to deliver the required punch at distance.

It will replace the ageing fleets of A-5s, F-7Ps and the Mirages in the PAF inventory thus fulfiling a multi-role task.

First made in Pakistan JF-17 fighter to roll out on Monday is a post from: DefenceTalk | Defense & Military News – Forums – Pictures – Weapons

Pakistan rejects report of bomb-grade uranium from China (Space War): “Islamabad (AFP) Nov 13, 2009 – Pakistan on Friday angrily rejected a US newspaper report that China provided the nuclear-armed Muslim state with weapons grade uranium for two bombs in 1982.”

China’s role on world stage is no cause for alarm, says Obama: “

Barack Obama introduced himself as America’s ‘first Pacific president’ as he launched his four-nation tour of the region, vowing to deepen ties with Asia and arguing that China’s rise should be welcomed rather than feared.

Kicking off his visit in Tokyo, he also sought to thaw the chill in relations with his hosts, America’s closest allies in the region. The new prime minister, Yukio Hatoyama, has vowed to make Japan less dependent on the US, but the two men agreed to put off the issue of resolving the future of US forces in Japan.

However, police in China are reported to have detained dozens of dissidents in a crackdown ahead of Obama’s arrival there today. Human rights campaigners said that at least 30 activists who were expected to apply for the right to hold protests directed at the Chinese government during the US president’s visit were arrested.

Reformers worry that Obama will play down China’s poor human rights record in order to maintain good relations on issues such as the economy. ‘We get the impression Obama doesn’t want to talk about human rights on this trip, but it is precisely because of his visit here that these people are being rounded up and detained right now,’ Ai Weiwei, a Beijing-based artist and social commentator, told the Financial Times.

Speaking yesterday during the first stop on his nine-day Asian tour, Obama told an audience of 1,500 in the Japanese capital: ‘I want every American to know that we have a stake in the future of this region, because what happens here has a direct effect on our lives at home.’

American officials have portrayed the trip as an opportunity to develop relationships and make progress on non-proliferation, climate change and the economy, and are playing down expectations of any agreements.

As in his previous foreign affairs speeches, Obama emphasised his personal ties in the region – referring to his birth in Hawaii, time in Indonesia and boyhood travels in Asia – and the administration’s break with unilateralism.

‘We welcome China’s efforts to play a greater role on the world stage – a role in which their growing economy is joined by growing responsibility,’ he said. ‘Power does not need to be a zero-sum game and nations need not fear the success of another.’

He held out a hand to North Korea again, calling for it to denuclearise; and to Burma, if it undertakes democratic reform and frees political prisoners, including opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Burma’s prime minister will be present at the president’s meeting with Association of South-east Asian Nations (Asean) leaders in Singapore.

Obama also announced that the US will sign up to a trans-Pacific free trade agreement. That may help to deflect accusations of protectionism, which are likely to be aired throughout his tour. He stressed the need for ‘balanced’ growth and said Asian countries should not be dependent on exports to the US.

The economic crisis has underlined the interdependence of ‘Chimerica’ in particular and the trade imbalance that has left China with vast US dollar holdings. Washington wants the Chinese currency, the yuan, to appreciate further; Beijing will repeat its concerns that US debt could endanger its dollar holdings.

But Obama’s Chinese visit is about more than money. The world’s two largest carbon emitters are meeting just weeks away from the Copenhagen climate-change conference.

China’s influence on North Korea and Iran are central to Obama’s non-proliferation agenda. Its handling of Afghanistan and Pakistan will also be high up in discussions.

Obama’s China policy is essentially his predecessor’s; the relationship is increasingly amicable. But some fear attempts to broaden it could mean less meaningful engagement.

‘Bush’s approach was: you are rising in the international system and need to take on more responsibility,’ said Victor Cha, director of Asian affairs in the National Security Council under George Bush and now at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies. ‘Obama is heaping on all these very, very high expectations – on issues like climate change and currency – and I think they are expectations that China cannot possibly meet.’

China sees itself as a vulnerable developing country as well as a rising power. And shared anxieties – such as those over proliferation – do not equal identical interests. “China’s own interests in those hot spots [North Korea, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan] make it deeply conflicted about playing a larger role on the world stage,” said Stephanie Kleine-Ahlbrandt of the International Crisis Group. “While the United States frames China in terms of its growing responsibilities as a major power, China continues to think primarily in terms of its own interests.”

To some observers, the administration is also too keen to please Beijing, wasting leverage rather than smoothing the path to greater gains.

Obama’s decision not to meet the Dalai Lama last month – aides say he will do so in future – ‘doesn’t send a signal that the US wants to work with China; it sends a signal they have basically got us,’ said Cha.

Scientist: China gave Pakistan nuke blueprint (MSNBC): “In 1982, a Pakistani military C-130 left China with enough weapons-grade uranium for two atomic bombs, according to accounts written by the father of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons program.”

The coming isolation: “India has to gird up to face internationally new tough times, warns N.V.Subramanian.

http://www.newsinsight.net/archivedebates/nat2.asp?recno=1910

11 November 2009: As the Australian prime minister, Kevin Rudd, meets Manmohan Singh tomorrow purportedly as a ‘friend’ and so does the US president, Barack Obama, later, it should be clear to policy-makers here that India is entering a period of strategic isolation. The isolation is on account of two facts, one longstanding, and the other of more recent origin.

The current reason for the isolation that this writer perceives coming arises from the presidential change in America, although that change is more than nine months old. Obama is not the close friend of India (although he is fairly close to the Indian-American community and has an incredible fondness for Hinduism) that his predecessor George W.Bush was. For example, he is not as keen on the Indo-US nuclear deal as Bush was, who was its architect.

Without promising ENR technologies to India, Obama is benchmarking further progress on the deal on India entering the non-proliferation regime, and his officials are in Delhi (proper non-proliferation ayatollahs) to soft-soap Manmohan Singh on it before he visits the US as Obama’s state guest. This writer has already warned of this in previous commentaries, and urged him to go to the US with limited or no expectations (Commentary, ‘Manmohan Singh’s US visit’).

But not only is Obama less friendly to India than Bush, he is a weaker president, and he is being steadily daunted by the problems he has inherited (Afghanistan, the economy) and by the new ones that have arisen in this presidency (for example, the Fort Hood shooting, which suggests an internal crisis with Muslim community integration almost as dangerously significant as the 9/ 11 attack that was externally inflicted). This writer had warned that China, for one, would see through Obama’s growing weakness and exploit it to India’s disadvantage, and this happened with Obama’s Dalai Lama meeting, which he dropped out of under Chinese pressure, although the White House denies it. Almost simultaneous with Obama chickening out of squarely facing the Tibetan issue, China has inexorably raised the pressure on India on Arunachal Pradesh and the Dalai Lama’s visit to it, orchestrating a barrage of criticism against the Dalai Lama and against India in the controlled Chinese media, and making threatening references to the 1962 war that India lost to the PLA. But in a reversal from before, India has withstood Chinese threats, and permitted the Dalai Lama to go ahead with his programme, although with the usual qualification that no political activity is being undertaken during the tour. The fact remains though that Obama has softened on the Chinese on Tibet because he needs them to save the US economy, and this has tilted the balance in China’s favour vis-a-vis India. If China benefits against India, so will Pakistan, etc. The linkages are very well-defined to be repeated again (see Commentary, ‘Fighting on two fronts’).

That is the current reason for India’s looming isolation. By the looks of it, India is also going to be isolated in Af-Pak, and it may have to fall back on the Northern Alliance-II option (Commentary, ‘Northern alliance II?’). The longstanding reason (mentioned earlier in the piece) for India’s recurrent isolation is that it is unable to influence international outcomes, not at least since Indira Gandhi liberated Bangladesh, absorbed Sikkim, and so on.

A friendly US president (George Bush) had to do all the heavy lifting to get the nuclear deal past the American Congress and the NSG (the Americans privately then complained that the Indians were doing very little successful international lobbying for the NSG waiver; the watchword is successful), and when that president’s Republican party was voted out, his Democratic successor has commenced to reverse it all. India cannot put all its eggs into one presidential basket. And of course the most ignominious example of India being unable to influence outcomes is its failure to win a permanent UN Security Council membership.

But China is not the only state to perceive India’s isolation as a friendly US president is replaced by an unfriendly if not hostile successor, on top of which India’s inability to influence outcomes is well-advertised. Australia, among others (and importantly, the South East Asian countries), has perceived India’s helplessness perfectly (it is another matter that Australia is also adrift), especially Rudd, a China-lover, or at least a former aficionado. Australia voted with China against India when the Arunachal Pradesh issue came up in the ADB, and Rudd, being a liberal politician like Obama, won’t dare befriend India at the price of annoying the Chinese. It is small consolation that Australia says Arunachal Pradesh is indisputably India’s when it voted otherwise in the ADB. Added to the fact that Obama is tilting China-ward, Australia would have no option but to go the American way. So forget any breathtaking breakthroughs when Rudd meets the PM tomorrow. No Australian uranium will reach India in a long time, unless, that is, India is able to influence outcomes.

What should India do with this approaching strategic isolation? Stay calm. Deng Xiaoping would have advised that. Where India can stand up to bullying, it should, on NPT, CTBT, FMCT, etc, on Tibet (the Tibet question must be opened; it is inevitable), on Kashmir, and so forth. America and the rest of the West will realize sooner than later (twelve to eighteen months maximum) that China’s rise is anything but peaceful, that there will be middle-kingdom hegemony, no less, if it is not reined in, and that counterweights are necessary to it, like democratic unthreatening India. So tomorrow, when the PM meets Kevin Rudd, and later Obama, he should be friendly but not conceal that he is steeled to face adversity. India survived an adverse Cold War so it will be more of the same for a while longer. But in this Dengian calm, India should consolidate on both the economic and military spheres and strive for internal political unity within competitive democratic politics.

N.V.Subramanian is Editor, www.NewsInsight.net

“

Pakistan and China in $1.4 billion fighter jet deal: “This is a huge deal. But $1.4 billion is not cheap, can Pakistan come up with enough funding for this purchase ?

LAHORE: China has agreed to sell Pakistan at least 36 advanced fighter jets in a landmark deal worth as much as $1.4bn, Pakistani and western officials said on Tuesday.

China will supply two squadrons of J-10 fighter planes in a preliminary agreement, which could lead to further sales in future, a Pakistani official said.

The official added that Pakistan might buy “larger numbers” of the planes in the future, but denied reports that Pakistan had agreed to buy 150 jets.

Experts describe the agreement as a “landmark” in Pak-China relations.

“The agreement should not simply be seen in the narrow context of Pakistan’s relations with China,” said Abdul Qayyum, a retired Pakistani general. “There is a wider dimension. By sharing its advanced technology with Pakistan, China is … also saying to the world that its defence capability is growing rapidly.”

China has supplied Pakistan with fighter jets for more than three decades. Experts said the sales would be evidence of China looking to expand its military power. “Countries like Iran and possibly some of the Middle Eastern countries would be keen to deal with China,” said one western official in Islamabad.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2009\11\11\story_11-11-2009_pg1_5

Is China Ready to Be a Global Power? Or Headed Toward Collapse?: ”

For Global Times, David Shambaugh writes a piece asking, “Is China ready to be a global power?”:

President Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg, and US Ambassador to China Jon Huntsman have all made speeches this year calling on China to be a greater global partner of the US. More could be done by China in some of the aforementioned areas. With respect to the North Korean and Iranian nuclear programs, Beijing could use more of its influence and leverage behind the scenes to halt these programs.

Of course, Beijing is chronically adverse to using sanctions and other coercive measures, but it could still more clearly make the case to the governments in Pyongyang and Tehran that they will face ever-increasing international isolation unless they opt to trade their nuclear ambitions for normalizing their positions in regional and international affairs.

Then there is Afghanistan and Pakistan – two countries where China’s national security interests are directly affected and where the international community has a common mission to destroy Al Qaeda and the Taliban and bring stability and security to Afghanistan and the Pakistani border region. Yet where is China?

[...] The issue of China’s role in the global climate change negotiations is also an important opportunity for Beijing to show it is part of the solution and not just part to the problem.

Specific numbers on emissions caps need to be added to Hu Jintao’s positive speech to the UN in September, prior to the UN Climate Change Conference Copenhagen in December.

This is likely to be an issue high on the agenda in Obama’s discussions with Hu.

While Politico ponders, “Is China headed toward collapse?”:

But there’s a growing group of market professionals who see a different picture altogether. These self-styled China bears take the less popular view: that the much-vaunted Chinese economic miracle is nothing but a paper dragon. In fact, they argue that the Chinese have dangerously overheated their economy, building malls, luxury stores and infrastructure for which there is almost no demand, and that the entire system is teetering toward collapse.

A Chinese collapse, of course, would have profound effects on the United States, limiting China’s ability to buy U.S. debt and provoking unknown political changes inside the Chinese regime.

The China bears could be dismissed as a bunch of cranks and grumps except for one member of the group: hedge fund investor Jim Chanos.

© Sophie Beach for China Digital Times (CDT), 2009.

Beijing urged to do more to help with terror fight: “Afghanistan and Pakistan yesterday appealed for more help from China and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to support their ongoing struggle against terrorism.Afghanistan re-opens request for corridor road “

Pakistan’s ‘Father of the Islamic bomb’ goes public on deals with China, Iran, N. Korea: “September 23, 2009 – Pakistan’s ‘Father of the Islamic bomb’ goes public on deals with China, Iran, N. Korea”

China refutes A Q Khan’s charges on nuclear proliferation: “China rejected suggestions that it had engaged in nuclear proliferation by getting Pakistan to share technology and materials with North Korea and Iran.”

Pakistan, China agree to develop new satellite: “Pakistan and China signed an agreement on Friday to develop a new satellite, PAKSAT-1R, in about three years period, Pakistan’s Economic Affairs Division (EAD) said in a press release.”

China to Help Pak in Launching First Satellite: “

Reinforcing its bilateral ties further, China has said that it would extend financial assistance to Pakistan for launch of its first satellite