The Chinese Subs are Coming!
Reaction to the Bill Gertz story on a Chinese submarine intrusion comes with degree of bias from Submarine Bloggers and others in our community. Was the Intrusion into the Kitty Hawk battle group really a big deal? Does Bill Gertz have a lack of knowledge in current US Navy and submarine operating strategies to sound a alarm? I guess it all depends on your reference point. Bill Gertz has been the modern day Paul Revere on China’s military preparedness for some time now. With the release of his book The China Threat, he laid out a potential plot for Communist China’s ability to threaten the United States with military force. Presently, China’s ability to confront America’s Naval superiority would result in severe devastation to the PLA Navy. But how long will this superiority last? I think that is more of the point of were Gertz is going with his recent article.
China has a shared power structure between its military and its communist although very capitalist minded civilian government. They exist in a harmony that encourages the growth of both of their agendas. China’s one way trade policies with the U.S. have not only encouraged a economic benefit for both countries, but have also given the Chinese a unprecedented access to U.S. technologies. Because of this, China’s military spy net is now vast and has been cast into all levels of our society.
Chinese spies had open door to Oval Office
FBI sees big threat from Chinese spies
Four arrests linked to Chinese spy ring
Our open trade policies with China which translates to low priced goods for American consumers has made it easy for China to set up illegitimate companies or fronts for covert operations. China has also benefited from our off the shelf technology in computers, networks and communications. The U.S. has been the leader in the development and use of these advanced technologies which have both civilian and military uses. Couple this with the examples above and its safe to say that China is doing their home work and preparing for something. Ex-operatives from the Soviet Union only wish they had it this good during the Cold War.
There have been a number of reported intrusions into our Nations protected assets such as Nuclear and Missile programs. Some may remember the scandals of the Clinton administration and the exchange of information for campaign contributions. How about continued reports of leaks and loss of classified data at Los Alamos National Laboratory, or even the recent Chinese Los Angeles spy ring that gleaned information from the Virgina Class Submarine platform? If nothing else I applaud Bill Gertz in his continued efforts. We should take it as a warning of things to come.
China does have the economic ability to become a superpower, they are just presently technology impaired. But they are acquiring what they need slowly but most assuredly. Another good example is their space program. Yes it’s origin is in Russian hardware, but access to space will give them countless benefits in the high technology arena. Technology acquisition no matter what the source will only translate into improved Chinese submarines and other weapons programs.
Sound strategies must be developed to deal with a potential enemy that could be our equal 10 to 15 years down the road. China has communicated a desire to control the Pacific rim. They are also a competitor for oil and natural resources that could ignite a true war for oil with much bigger players.
So yes, engaging U.S Fleets in a mock up exercise does seem futile. But they are good training efforts for their current and future submariners. With each encounter, they will be able to hone tactics to deal with a superior Navy. How capable will a 15 year old under funded Virginia Class submarine program be against a enemy that has had time to prepare and developed improved submarines of their own? With the threat of cutting our submarine production capability and other submarine programs, one only has to wonder how much in a long term scenario, our submarine force will have its competitive advantage? Only a focused push for improved not diminished submarine development and building capacity will we cultivate a successful strategy for the future security of this country. Submarines have proven time and time again to be a front line defensive and offensive asset. Pressure on Politicians and the Pentagon for additional funding will ensure a continued submerged (Submarine) dominance over China and others for years to come.
Eric Ryle (Editor TheSubReport.com)