Concerned about China's rise, Southeast Asian nations build up militaries

reply to post by KilrathiLG

That's true. And a few European countries have nukes, too.

China: About 240 total warheads.

France: Fewer than 300 operational warheads.

Russia: Approximately 2,600 operational strategic warheads, approximately 2,000 operational tactical warheads, and approximately 8,000 stockpiled strategic and tactical warheads.

United Kingdom: Fewer than 160 deployed strategic warheads, total stockpile of up to 225.

United States: 5,113 active and inactive [1] nuclear warheads and approximately 4,500 warheads retired and awaiting dismantlement. The 5,113 active and inactive nuclear warhead stockpile includes 1,968 strategic warheads , approximately 500 operational tactical weapons, and approximately 2,645 inactive warheads.

India: Up to 100 nuclear warheads.

Israel: Between 75 to 200 nuclear warheads.

Pakistan: Between 70 to 90 nuclear warheads.

www.armscontrol.org...

[edit on 8/9/2010 by ~Lucidity]

There is a basic, yet crucial, issue most countries in East and Southeast Asia are aware of with regards to military power and strategy - and that is the issue of the Spratley Islands.

It gets little attention, but is basically a flashpoint that could easily one day be the source of war in the region, and even possibly lead to much wider conflict.

There are many disputes and claims over these islands in the South China Sea; their importance being significant oil and gas reserves, fishing outposts, and more significantly, regional bases for military posts - a strategic position smack in the middle of the South China sea.

Taiwan, China, the Phillippines, Vietnam, Brunei and Malaysia all have various claims, and at times there has been disputes and veiled threats. Military forces of some of these countries currently occupy various parcels of the islands, yet there is still dispute of ownership and claims.

Anyway - I know many already know about the problems surrounding these islands, but it is certainly something to watch; particularly as militaries and navies expand in the region.

I think it is only natural that the nations in that part of the world are worried about China. Do they need to be worried? I do not think so. China's military is large but is not mobile and has almost no ability to project power beyond its borders. To do that they will have develop a smaller more mobile force with a more advanced airforce and a blue water navy. That will cost alot of money and spur an arms race in asia. Thats money China is better off spending on its internal issues. And yes they have many. However lets face it China is surrounded by powerful potential enemies. Russia, Japan, India, Vietnam and South Korea are all nations that have either large Armies or advanced forces and all have fought conflicts with China. At to that much more dominate US Navy off the coast with other US forces in the area and US allies Austalia, New Zealand, Thialand and the Phillipines also near by and China is surrounded by power potential enemies. It is only natural the would want to enhance their military. However unless they begin some massive spending they will not be able to effect events beyond there border areas.

reply to post by ~Lucidity


Accurate in that portrays America to be more the instigator of such events , rather than an innocent bystander . Would you ever think it was otherwise .