[War] China: "Military Affairs"

[Chazenesq2b at aol.com]

"Military Affairs"

President Xia Hong
The People's Republic of China
October 12th, 2006
================================================

(Military Command Briefing Room)

    China was far more secretive than the more open militaries of the West... 
and the world in general.  There was a specific room set up in what had 
become Xia's Executive Office for military affairs.  In said room, under immense 
security and supervision, China's premier military advisors were now gathered at 
what had become a daily ritual ever since North Korea started acting up.

    "Our peacekeeping forces for Lebanon?"

    General Xau spoke.  "A composite force of 20,000 troops and their 
supporting equipment are all in place under the planned structure.  We've committed 
the force for the next six months before scheduled rotations... our plan is to 
try and defuse our units with considerable low-intensity conflict and 
peacekeeping experience in order to better meet expected demands."

    "A prudent decision General."  Xia smiled.  She rather liked the military 
officers gathered here... it came from being careful with who she selected to 
promote.  She wanted forward looking officers who can best provide for 
China's future needs.  With growing ability to project power, came requirements to 
be able to handle different kinds of options.  "Ofcourse, now we must turn our 
attention to North Korea."

    "Madame President..." Xau also had a tendency of being direct, a trait 
Xia found refreshing given the way politics normally worked.  "The North Korean 
military is spread precariously thin in the hunt for their 'insurgents'..." 
the way the General had said it made it obvious he doubted the truth of Kim Jong 
Il's statement.  "If the military option 'is' being considered, now would be 
the optimal time to strike."

    Xia bit her lip.  She hadn't ruled it out, not by a long shot... but she 
also wanted to give the political route a chance.  War with North Korea, 
regardless of how justified, would be expensive, not just for China but for all of 
Asia.  

    "Madame President?"

    Xia snapped out of her concentration.  "I understand General Xau.  Begin 
drawing up operational plans... we'll put it under the guise of a military 
review.  Be it Taiwan or North Korea, we have to be ready to fight.  Reposition 
our military units according to the threat... I'll turn over planning to you 
and your staff, and you'll have my approval for whatever your findings."

    "Thank you madame President."  The General gave a nod.

    Next up was General Luao, put in charge of the PLA's Modernization and 
Acquisition program.  "Madame President, given our increasing operational tempo, 
it may be additionally prudent to increase our rate of modernization."

    "I couldn't agree more.  I will approach the Congress and ask that they 
authorize a spending increase.  I'd like plans to be put in place for bringing 
all our front line units up to optimal combat readiness, and I'd like to see 
the establishment of similar standards for our reserve forces."

    "I will see to consulting unit commanders on their anticipated needs."  
General Luao nodded.

    "Thank you.  The British are asking for deployments for a major operation 
in Afghanistan.  In turn they are willing to support relaxing or eliminating 
the European Arms embargo.  'Should' this actually happen, it is likely the EU 
itself will offer to sell us weapons... in that instance I'll need, as the 
Americans would say, a shopping list in line with our goals and needs.  General 
Huang, what kind of deployment would be optimal for Afghanistan?"

    The General thought things over.  "I would suggest a composite Brigade 
sized force from the 127th Light Mechanized Infantry Division.  They've recently 
received extensive modernization, and would hopefully be our best chance of 
offering something compatible with NATO.  But..."

    "But?"  Xia raised an eyebrow.

    "Afghanistan's terrain is hostile.  The 127th hasn't any training 
particularly suited for the environment.  We will be going in and learning by the 
proverbial seat of our pants."

    "Well... this is supposed to be a NATO operation.  The Taliban didn't 
attack us... and yet we will be helping the Americans and their allies.  I think 
that if purhsed, the President of the United States might be amenable to 
providing the training needed.  I will keep you apprised General.  Please prepare 
the elements of the 127th you intend on sending with due respect for NATO's 
needs."

    "Yes Madame President."  Huang made note.  "And North Korea?"

    Xia dwelled on it.  "There is someone I must speak to first.  You will 
have an answer shortly."

(TBC)
===============================================

ACTIONS

1.  Although a little concerned with the fact China wasn't approached in the 
'first' round, Xia will respond to PM Eckley's request with 5,000 troops from 
the 127th Inf. Division.  Coordination with NATO allies will provide a 
deployment template.  Term of deployment will be six to eight months before potential 
cycling.

2.  Xia to approach PNC to get more money for military funding.  It's the 
military, everyone loves guns... we need to speed up our rate of modernization in 
the face of foreign threats.  

3.  Contact Pres. Williams in regard to Mountain training for the elements of 
127th to be deployed.  Primary concern to be given to troops most needed.  
Also see about in-country help in terms of deployments... access to helicopters, 
etc.

4.  Keep up with developments in Lebanon.  See about visiting to keep an eye 
on the troops, and hopefully raise their morale with a thank you.

5.  Finally, full military 'review' in China.  Training schedules and methods 
to be adapted to better prepare forces for the 'possibility' of military 
action... particular emphasis on North Korea and Taiwan.  Xia's not ruling out 
'any' possibility... best to scare the Koreans a bit.
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: /pipermail/war_esteroic.com/attachments/20061012/ceec06ce/attachment.html