On August 11th, four days after Chinese Communist military vessels and coast guard ships collided in the South China Sea, the Chinese Ministry of National Defense finally responded to the incident, albeit attempting to cover it up. In reality, the collision should not have been unexpected, as the lack of operational proficiency and command capabilities, inadequate training methodology, poor equipment quality, and personnel capabilities of the Chinese Communist military vessels were bound to be exposed sooner or later, indicating that the People’s Liberation Army is facing a difficult strategic dilemma.
Chinese military vessels and coast guard ships have repeatedly engaged in high-speed chases and interceptions of Philippine ships in the South China Sea, including patrol ships, civilian vessels, and fishing boats. This latest incident took place near Scarborough Shoal, where China’s 052D destroyer GuiLin and coast guard ship NanYu were pursuing and intercepting the Philippine patrol ship BRP Suluan. As all these vessels belong to the military, it was a military standoff and confrontation.
The risk of collision in intense close-range confrontations between naval ships is greatly elevated. Unlike vehicles on land, ships are much harder to control in water; slowing down or decelerating is not as simple as stepping on the brake, and directing turns is also a highly complex task. High-speed chases and interceptions at sea are extremely dangerous, and the larger the ship, the harder it is to maneuver and evade collisions.
Chinese military vessels have previously recklessly harassed American and allied warships, deliberately cutting across in front of the other party’s warships. The US military has continuously issued warnings, citing the unprofessionalism of the Chinese Navy and urging the Chinese military to adhere to norms when ships and aircraft approach each other to prevent potential collision incidents.
Facing pressure from the US, China has toned down its actions but has intensified harassment against the Philippines. Chasing and intercepting Philippine ships in the South China Sea seems to have become routine, promoted by Chinese media as a form of patriotism. However, this aggressive behavior only increases the likelihood of maritime accidents, and such incidents are inevitable.
State propaganda by Chinese media has fueled the dangerous behavior of the Chinese navy and coast guard, turning patriotic sentiments into xenophobic propaganda. The lack of risk awareness, unprofessional operations, disregard for basic principles, and reckless behavior during actions all reflect the inadequacy of the PLA’s training and command system.
The encounter near Scarborough Shoal exposed not only the lack of professionalism but also the gap in equipment performance, highlighting significant strategic flaws. The incident underscored the inability of the Chinese military to overcome the fatal flaws of political stupidity, military incompetence, and escalating corruption.
The Chinese military’s attempt to cover up the collision incident exhibits its lack of risk awareness, operational norms, basic knowledge, and indifference to life, revealing the true training level during peacetime. Instead of immediately suspending operations and assessing losses post-collision, the Chinese destroyer GuiLin continued to pursue the Philippine vessel, while it was the Philippine coast guard ship that offered rescue suggestions.
The commander of the GuiLin destroyer seemingly acted recklessly, possibly out of a desire for glory, following orders without assessing risks or making professional recommendations. The lack of professionalism in the Chinese naval command system is evident in such incidents.
The collision, which occurred near Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, revealed both the difference in professional capabilities and equipment performance, magnifying significant strategic failures. The incident at a location near the Philippines highlighted China’s military dilemma and showcased a struggle to maintain dominance in the region.
China’s attempts to control the Scarborough Shoal have proven challenging, with the distance from its South Sea Fleet base posing logistical difficulties. The inability to maintain a prolonged presence near the shoal forces China to rely on coast guard ships with limited capabilities. The Scarborough Shoal standoff underscores the vulnerabilities of the Chinese Navy.
The recent collision incident exposes China’s naval and strategic vulnerabilities, reflecting the inefficiency and impracticality of its expansive military agenda. The collision near Scarborough Shoal unveils China’s struggle to maintain dominance within a region of critical importance.
In conclusion, the collision incident in the South China Sea serves as a wake-up call for China, exposing critical weaknesses in its military capabilities and strategic positioning. China’s military inadequacies and strategic blunders underscore the urgent need for reform and modernization. Through comprehensive political and military reforms, China may stand a chance at rebuilding a modern defense force and redefining its military posture but only after the fall of the Communist Party regime.