Re: China & Vietnam

[Buulong Nguyen <buulong@dutmpw1.tudelft.nl>]

On Wed, 19 Mar 1997 huy.duong@ctsu.ox.ac.uk wrote:

> A land offensive has to fight through mountainous areas which Vietnam can defend
> well and exact high costs on the attackers. These areas are also away from 
> population, industrial and commercial centres. The Chinese airforce is the most 
> effective way to wreak destruction on Vietnam. This is why I hope that Vietnam 
> has a strong air defence and a strong air force. A Vietnamese airforce with 
> anti-ship missiles and tactics can also defend the islands and sea in a way that 
> is more within Vietnam's grasp than buying and training a navy that can never 
> match China's. Vietnam has the advantage of air fields near the area of 
> conflicts and Chinese ships as yet have no air cover.

Some months ago I saw in a Russian newspaper a piece of news telling China 
intended to buy a Seaplane Tender (ha`ng kho^ng ma^~u ha.m ?) and a number 
of warships from Ukraina (from the Black Sea Fleet). I really don't know 
whether it was true. If yes, Chinese warships might have air cover now.

I agree with you there is no sense to try building up navy. Vietnam does 
need one. But the bitter truth is that Vietnamese navy never could match 
the Chinese one, as you said.
 
> I think Vietnam should build up a good air force and then resist Chinese 
> aggression.  

Is Vietnam able to do that?  Do we have the time? What do you think?

Take care!

Buu-Long