China's Army is pretty Impressive Looking

[//MavericK\\]

Psh, we're talking about China here.

Most countries, including the US, are not above propaganda either. We do it all the time.

This is just blatant. We try to hide ours a bit better.

[Pandonetho]

Most countries, including the US, are not above propaganda either. We do it all the time.

This is just blatant. We try to hide ours a bit better.

Of course many countries use Propaganda, but that's usually to further their own goals. I really don't see why they would need to propagandize what is being shown here, unless they're trying to get the message across that they do these things when they don't... which I'm sure they do. The whole point of this is to look good right? And they obviously do that right.

[TargetBlue]

Every country does propaganda, some are just more subtle and better at it than others. I wonder if there is a propaganda type class that studies propaganda through the ages and nations. Just a thought.

[//MavericK\\]

Propaganda came into its own during World War's I and II. Many countries used it and quite effectively too. Hitler rebuilt a nation with it and we and the allies destroyed that nation indirectly with Propaganda campaigns of our own.

These days, the techniques have changed quite a bit...but the intent is the same. China is promoting its wealth and capabilities through a show of force and determined resolve.

*GULP!*

[Quirel]

Some of these images are obvious propaganda, though. How often does a
bee land on your face in the middle of a wide-open concrete training area.
And sit still for the perfect picture. Come on.

Ahem.
They PUT the bee there as a part of the training. It teaches you to stand ABSOLUTELY still, even though there's a creepy little itching on your face, and all your instincts are yelling at you to "DUCK AND SWAT!"

We would lose a stand-up fight, I think.

With our nuclear capacity, aerial supremacy, and command of the Pacific Ocean with our Navy? Not likely.

Whoever invades, however, is going to lose.

[Kacaier]

With our nuclear capacity, aerial supremacy, and command of the Pacific Ocean with our Navy? Not likely.

China has a sizable nuclear arsenal as well. They could probably destroy the US once over. On the flip side, the US could destroy China 5+ times over. However, I don't think destroying someone more than once counts as a victory. The US, like China, only has one life in this game.

The only conflict I can see in the future would involve Taiwan. A lot of this is maybe from Chinese intelligence positing, paranoia from the US, and maybe even some fact, but I believe China was reported to be concentrating their military efforts on Pacific denial. This involves anti-ship ballistic missiles, increasing stealthy submarine fleet, and electronic warfare. China definitely in no way can invade the US or beat them in a true grudge match, but by concentrating on denying US aircraft carriers (including air force) and navy from assisting Taiwan, they can probably easily achieve their objectives. If Taiwan is rolled over quickly, then the US loses any chance of liberating the island without actually challenging China in a true WWIII-esque war scenario.

Considering the massive intertwined economies of both China and US, I doubt either would want to actually straight out war. Defending Taiwan doesn't risk declaration of war, and would be a major skirmish, but if the US could secure Taiwan, then China would have to accept. Conversely, if China took hold of the island, the US would have to accept. But I think China has a good shot of taking Taiwan.

[//MavericK\\]

Ahem.
They PUT the bee there as a part of the training. It teaches you to stand ABSOLUTELY still, even though there's a creepy little itching on your face, and all your instincts are yelling at you to "DUCK AND SWAT!"


With our nuclear capacity, aerial supremacy, and command of the Pacific Ocean with our Navy? Not likely.

Whoever invades, however, is going to lose.

Sorry, Quirel...I should have clarified that a bit more. By stand-up fight, I meant non-nuclear.

And like Kacaier said, even a nuclear exchange would be pretty mutual. We send 200, they send 100...what's the difference in the end. And if we nuked China and they didn't retaliate with nukes of their own...the ecological ramifications would be nothing short of disastrous. The prevailing winds would send a lot of the radiation our way.

[Norfindel]

Why do soldiers waste so much time in that stupidity, anyways? They have too much time left after learning to follow orders and kill stuff?

[Pandonetho]

Why do soldiers waste so much time in that stupidity, anyways? They have too much time left after learning to follow orders and kill stuff?

It's apparently ceremonial, so they may not even be real soldiers.

[Hamshank]

Yes, yes... they are pretty impressive looking.

http://www.dogguie.com/wp-content/up...r-china-04.jpg

Mmmm..

Uhm, what were we talking about? Oh yeah, armies. Don't worry we waste way more than China on our military. WAY MORE. Largest airforce, the US Airforce, 2nd the US Navy.

Tax dollars put to work!