China Reform Monitor No. 342, November 13, 2000
American Foreign Policy Council, Washington, D.C.

Chinese Air Force 3-Year Modernization Plan Detailed;
Russia Pledges Weapons to China for "Destruction" of US Navy

Editor: Al Santoli

October 30

During a review of recent war games, China's Central Military Commission met with joint military leaders to develop the new 5-year plan for the People's Liberation Armed Forces [PLA], reports the Hong Kong Tai Yang Pao. The "principles guiding the plan," include:

• "Striving to possess the strength to win a high-tech war against intervening foreign [US] military forces while force is used against Taiwan."

• "Striving to possess the capability to counter-attack the hegemonist [US] military forces, including the nuclear weapons capability." [Editor's use of italics.]

The new PLA Air Force 5-year plan calls for a total inventory of 2,200 new and upgraded aircraft, with the Russian-designed Sukhoi fighter aircraft series as the mainstay. China currently has 1,200 fighters, including the Su-27, Su-30, Su-35 and other Chinese-designed airplanes. The upgrade plan calls for the PLA to retain only Jian-7C fighters and Hongzhaji-6-B bombers in a reserve capacity. In addition, 24 Hongzhaji-6 bombers and Russian-made Ilyushin II-62 planes will be converted into early-warning aircraft. Several strategic airports will be built with roads as the mainstay, and 120 mobile anti-aircraft radar stations will be built. Of the Sukhoi aircraft, one-third are bought from Russia, one-third assembled in China using parts from Russia, and one-third manufactured in China using the technology and production-line equipment provided by Russia.

November 5

Russian Premier Mikhail Kasayanov completed his visit to Beijing after completing several military technology contracts that are expected to be signed next month during the Russia-China Bilateral Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation meeting, reports Moscow's Nezavisimaya gazeta. The list includes various types of 3-dimensional radar systems, Shtil ship-based anti-aircraft missile systems, electronic warfare systems, Ka-28 anti-submarine warfare helicopters and Ka-27 ship-based helicopters. Nezavisimaya gazeta adds, some "very influential" Russian Federation military-political leaders are in favor of Chinese PLA having, in event of a conflict between the PRC and Taiwan, the potential of "guaranteed destruction of any US navy aircraft carrier strike groupings." China would also be able to "count on a positive decision by Russia" to provide reconnaissance satellite information on strategic military facilities in Taiwan.

November 7

China has displayed the model of a new aircraft-delivered supersonic missile at a prominent Zuhai air show which poses a grave threat to Taiwan, Agence France-Presse reports. "It's a brand new anti-ship or anti-radar missile, which could have considerable range," said Richard Fisher of the US-based Jamestown Foundation. "This is the first confirmation that this type of program is alive and making progress." Fisher said that since the missile is supersonic, it could not be destroyed in flight. It appears primarily aimed at destroying radar systems and can easily traverse the Taiwan Strait.

November 10

The Ukrainian aircraft company Antonov and China Aviation Industry Corporation No. 2 are discussing joint production of the advanced Antonov-70 military transport plane, Reuters reports. Antonov has also agreed to help China develop an upgraded version of the Y-8 cargo aircraft.

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