PLAN invited to participate in RIMPAC for first the time (2014)

China is only allowed one ship. And that one ship depends on how China views this opportunity. If the PLAN sees this as a mere display of friendship and increased cooperation, then sending a small ship would suffice. However, if the PLAN wants to take advantage of this exercise, then the aircraft carrier might even show up.

joshuatree said:

I wonder if by single ship, does that refer to single warship and whatever auxiliary or literally one ship?

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The statement is pretty clear; one ship means one ship. A carrier battle group can't be called a "single ship" just because it comprises of one carrier.

PanAsian said:

I'm going to guess that the PLAN will stick with another 054A for now.

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That's my hunch too. If it's strictly limited to one ship and only to search-and-rescue or humanitarian relief exercises, a type 054A frigate would be the ambassador best suited for those exercises. A Type 071 could as well but I really don't see CN feeling comfortable sending only one ship and it being a more high value asset without escort.

As much as the article mentions precautions the US Navy will take from exposing too much, it's a two way street. CN doesn't want to be exposing itself too much either. Granted, many will say to the USN who is way ahead, there's nothing to hide it doesn't field but keep in mind, there are 22 other navies participating and some are regional competitors.

MwRYum said:

But in opposite to your optimism, all the China-bashing coming from the States Department and Pentagon several times per year will never lead Sino-US relations to the better future, and as long as that US law still standing, Sino-US cooperation will remain only skin-deep at best. Face it, US the sole ruling superpower will never allow another challenger, if they break the backs of the Japanese in the 90s, they won't cut China any slacks.

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That bashing is a two edged sword and it has been cutting both ways.

The fact remains...the US invited the PRC to attend. It did not have to do that.

It is something that at least provides an opportunity that would not exist if no invite had occurred. It was a proactive step taken by the United States It can lead to positive outcomes, even if taken only in small steps...which are better than no steps.

SinoSoldier said:

The statement is pretty clear; one ship means one ship. A carrier battle group can't be called a "single ship" just because it comprises of one carrier.

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Fair enough but we can certainly not expect the Liaoning. Who sails a lone carrier without escort or auxiliaries nearby to a major outing?

My question was directed more at whether a replenishment ship would be allowed to accompany chosen warship on that trip to Pearl Harbor, not so much of the replenishment ship participating in the exercises.

PanAsian said:

I'm going to guess that the PLAN will stick with another 054A for now.

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Wouldn't be a bad idea to send the 866 岱山岛号 (Daishandao).

Wow this is great news!! Exactly what we want to see more off, and should really be the reason why China builds up its navy

The only exercise that allows Chinese and American navy to come together is the one organised by Pakistan, Aman-13, and other than that they have met during the Gulf of Aden but really there’s nothing else apart from that

This will be a great opportunity for both Navy to come together and I hope China accepts the invitation and in return invites USN to one of its exercises

So is China going to send a carrier strike group? I hope they don’t send an old fashion Type 053H3 FFG or something like that, they should send in their best

joshuatree said:

Fair enough but we can certainly not expect the Liaoning. Who sails a lone carrier without escort or auxiliaries nearby to a major outing?

My question was directed more at whether a replenishment ship would be allowed to accompany chosen warship on that trip to Pearl Harbor, not so much of the replenishment ship participating in the exercises.

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I would imagine that the PLAN could send an entire CSG to Hawaii if it do desired...and certainly a replensihment ship.

It's the exercises out in the ocean off of Hawaii where the restriction would come in...and my guess is that if China requested to have, say, two ships involved in those exercises, it would be granted.

So, if the PLAN and PRC really wanted to make an impression, I would pick a couple of vessels, say a FFG and a DDG to be involved in exercises, but show up there with a larger group, even centered on the Liaoning, to make as positive and impressive a show as possibe.

Jeff Head said:

I would imagine that the PLAN could send an entire CSG to Hawaii if it do desired...and certainly a replensihment ship.

It's the exercises out in the ocean off of Hawaii where the restriction would come in...and my guess is that if China requested to have, say, two ships involved in those exercises, it would be granted.

So, if the PLAN and PRC really wanted to make an impression, I would pick a couple of vessels, say a FFG and a DDG to be involved in exercises, but show up there with a larger group, even centered on the Liaoning, to make as positive and impressive a show as possibe.

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It would be sooooo exciting to see the Liaoning and the CSG at Pearl Harbor! However, is it enough time for the PLAN to train up the entire CSG?

Jeff Head said:

I would imagine that the PLAN could send an entire CSG to Hawaii if it do desired...and certainly a replensihment ship.

It's the exercises out in the ocean off of Hawaii where the restriction would come in...and my guess is that if China requested to have, say, two ships involved in those exercises, it would be granted.

So, if the PLAN and PRC really wanted to make an impression, I would pick a couple of vessels, say a FFG and a DDG to be involved in exercises, but show up there with a larger group, even centered on the Liaoning, to make as positive and impressive a show as possibe.

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I agree jeff. this is the first time PLAN participate so they will send something that can make a positive impression but yet modestl like you said a FFG 054A and a DDG 052C plus a replenishment ship would be likely. since they are over there they might do some friendly port visits in the western hemisphere after rimpac. as they build up trust and cooperative relationship with the USN and others then we may see PLAN sending a larger fleet.