China's Amphibious Assault IFV/Light tank ZBD 2000

advill said:

Yes, the SAF is for self-defence, and though small, it has also contributed quite considerably to peace keeping efforts as well as aid to Tsunami victims, medical care in East Timor & Afganistan and anti-piracy patrols etc. Anyway, We are all out of point here. The topic is on China's Assault Tank (inc. other advance military equipment) - these will definitely raise the eyebrows of its close neighbours and countries in the region.

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Face it, the last time China have to fight for South China Sea islands was won because they were lucky, such equipment is long overdue. If China wants to back its claim with something, that's about the right load-out.

And trust me, China already raise eyebrows by its overall modernization, none of the ASEAN country have the muscle to contest on their own, but can never form an effective alliance against China either.

We do not doubt that China is a Super-Power and the smaller countries are no match to its military power. Surprisingly, what you have commented is not China's official stance (in the news media) i.e. stressing on its "Peaceful Rise" & not to be a Bully. Anyway, I still believe we are out of point raising political issues here.

advill said:

We do not doubt that China is a Super-Power and the smaller countries are no match to its military power. Surprisingly, what you have commented is not China's official stance (in the news media) i.e. stressing on its "Peaceful Rise" & not to be a Bully. Anyway, I still believe we are out of point raising political issues here.

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If you believe you are 'out of point raising political issues here', talk about IFV then and not how you believe other countries think. You are not a psychic.
A country that spends 5% of its GDP on military should talk less about threat of others and look more into the mirror. Besides, I'm more interested in whether Malaysia etc think SAF is for self-defence or a threat than your claim.

I am surprised at your insinuations. FYI, Malaysia & Singapore are part of the 5-Nation Defence Arrangements. Both countries have good relations and Singapore is a top investor in Malaysia. BTW, I will no longer reply to off-tangent comments, and am signing off for this thread. Good wishes & good luck!

advill said:

I am surprised at your insinuations. FYI, Malaysia & Singapore are part of the 5-Nation Defence Arrangements. Both countries have good relations and Singapore is a top investor in Malaysia. BTW, I will no longer reply to off-tangent comments, and am signing off for this thread. Good wishes & good luck!

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The name is "Amphibious Assault IFV/Light tank ZBD 2000" and one can't help but wonder what a revelation you found.

advill said:

We do not doubt that China is a Super-Power and the smaller countries are no match to its military power. Surprisingly, what you have commented is not China's official stance (in the news media) i.e. stressing on its "Peaceful Rise" & not to be a Bully. Anyway, I still believe we are out of point raising political issues here.

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So everyone having weapons is an aggressor? Weapons can be for offensive or defense, its what you use it for that determines the nature of the category. China says peaceful rise, cause it ain't going to war into other countries and stealing their natural resources to grow their economy. PRC states that it will take ROC with the last option of war. So these military assets serves that purpose, and also the Marines are long overdue for an amphibious assault vehicle replacement.

advill said:

The PLA is going all out with its military expansion program for its three services. Does'nt it make one wonder why the emphasis in on a AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULT Tank. It's definitely not for self-defence or for "peaceful" purpose - it's for attack!

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advill said:

Yes, the SAF is for self-defence, and though small, it has also contributed quite considerably to peace keeping efforts as well as aid to Tsunami victims, medical care in East Timor & Afganistan and anti-piracy patrols etc. Anyway, We are all out of point here. The topic is on China's Assault Tank (inc. other advance military equipment) - these will definitely raise the eyebrows of its close neighbours and countries in the region.

Click to expand...

advill said:

We do not doubt that China is a Super-Power and the smaller countries are no match to its military power. Surprisingly, what you have commented is not China's official stance (in the news media) i.e. stressing on its "Peaceful Rise" & not to be a Bully. Anyway, I still believe we are out of point raising political issues here.

Click to expand...

advill said:

I am surprised at your insinuations. FYI, Malaysia & Singapore are part of the 5-Nation Defence Arrangements. Both countries have good relations and Singapore is a top investor in Malaysia. BTW, I will no longer reply to off-tangent comments, and am signing off for this thread. Good wishes & good luck!

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This new member simply burst in here and troll on China having new weapon CHina is not on a peaceful rise as suggested by all his threads. Then he simply disappear and refuses answer... make you wonder what is his motive.

Anyway, back to topic. I am wondering if the ZBD2000 could actually with its own power make it across sea to... say... Taiwan? If that could be done, in the event of war, under cover by China's navy and long range satuated MLRS bombarbment, China could deploy massive number of the ZBD2000 across the strait. And this would free up the LPD for more troop transport.

Hello rhino123, I have not "disappeared" as I find most of the threads in SinoDefence Forum stimulating with the exception of some off-tangent comments. My comments were my own - no ulterior motive or influence by anyone, so don't have a suspicious mind. In democratic societies, contradictory opinions are OK, and we can "agree to disagree" without being overtly emotional or irrational. No point being drawn into pointless & endless insulting comments/debates. This is my final reply for this thread. Take care and have a nice day!

advill said:

Hello rhino123, I have not "disappeared" as I find most of the threads in SinoDefence Forum stimulating with the exception of some off-tangent comments. My comments were my own - no ulterior motive or influence by anyone, so don't have a suspicious mind. In democratic societies, contradictory opinions are OK, and we can "agree to disagree" without being overtly emotional or irrational. No point being drawn into pointless & endless insulting comments/debates. This is my final reply for this thread. Take care and have a nice day!

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Irregardless of whether you want to answer or not, I need to point out this thing. Every countries had their right to field offensive weapons. And some of the best defence are offenses. Plus many if not most of China neighbouring countries are also fielding offensive weapons, high tech weapons, etc. You mean China must always be stuck in a position where she could only fend off attackers, or using her land and her people in exchange for time when invaders strike?

For god's sake, even small country like Singapore fielded hell of alot of offensive equipments and I don't see you complaining about it. So there goes my opinion.

But that is all off topic. Lets get back to topic.

rhino123 said:

Anyway, back to topic. I am wondering if the ZBD2000 could actually with its own power make it across sea to... say... Taiwan?

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That would be a hazardous undertaking to say the least.

First of all, does the ZBD2000 carry enough fuel for the distance? The narrowest part of the Taiwan Strait is 131km, and based on the ZBD2000's speed of 45km/h, it will take 3 hours to cross. Sounds simple enough, except that there are other complicating factors.

Even if the ZBD2000 carries enough fuel to cross Taiwan Strait, it will be subjected to the water currents, which will sweep it either Northeasterly, or Southwesterly. Not too big a deal, as these can be compensated for (and the Marines should know this if they are worth their salt). However, it does mean that the actual distance traveled and the time taken will be longer.

There is than the issue of avoiding collision with shipping that uses the Taiwan Strait. A 400,000 Ultra Large Crude Carrier carrying oil to Northeast Asia (including the northern ports of PRC) will not be avoiding these AAVs. Thus, it is up to the AAVs to avoid the huge ships that ply the area, or be run over.

Add to this the sea conditions that the AAV have to cross, that it becomes rather daunting. Not sure how well the AAVs will hold up un Sea State 3 for 3+ hours. The Marines, even if they make it ashore, may be so seasick that they are in no condition to fight.

More importantly, the western side of Taiwan are largely cliffs. AAVs are not designed to climb cliffs. And any guns on top of the cliffs will make short work of AAVs in water. For proper amphibious assault beaches, the eastern seaboard of Taiwan is more suitable. But I doubt the Marines will make the AAVs swim all the way there from PRC's coast.