战略与国际研究中心-The-Asian-and-Chinese-Military-Balance_74页_283kb

The Asian and Chinese Military Balance Summary

Core Content Overview

This document provides a comprehensive analysis of the military balance in Asia, focusing on defense spending, military forces, manpower, and arms transfers from 1985 to 1999. It compares the military capabilities of key Asian countries including China, Japan, South Korea, North Korea, India, and Pakistan, as well as the United States' military presence in the Pacific region.

Main Points and Key Information

Part One: Comparative Military Spending

• Major Powers (1985, 1990, 1995): Military spending data is provided for the US, USSR, China, and others, showing trends over time.
• World Defense Spending (1998): Global military expenditure reached a significant level in 1998, with the US being the largest spender.
• Asian Defense Spending (1998): The total defense spending in Asia in 1998 was substantial, with China leading in expenditure.
• Major Asian Powers (1998): China had the highest defense spending, followed by Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.
• North Asian Trends (1985-1997): North Korea's spending remained relatively constant, while South Korea's increased significantly.
• Comparative Spending (1987-1997): China's military spending increased over the years, surpassing Japan and Taiwan.
• India and Pakistan (1985-1997): Both countries increased their military spending, with India having a higher overall expenditure.

Part Two: Comparative Military Forces

• Manpower (1998-1999):
  • China had the largest active military manpower, followed by South Korea, North Korea, and India.
  • Japan and Taiwan had smaller active forces, with South Korea's reserves being notably large.
  • Paramilitary forces were significant in South Korea and Indonesia.
• Strategic Missile Forces (1998-1999):
  • China had the most strategic missile forces, with over 90,000 units.
  • Other Asian countries had fewer, with North Korea showing a notable number.
• Army and Guard (1998-1999):
  • China had a large number of main battle tanks and armored fighting vehicles.
  • South Korea had a significant number of tanks and artillery.
  • North Korea had a substantial number of tanks and artillery, but its numbers were less clear due to data uncertainties.
• Air Force (1998-1999):
  • China had the largest number of combat aircraft, including fighters and bombers.
  • Japan and South Korea had fewer but still significant numbers.
  • Taiwan had a moderate number of combat aircraft.
• Naval Forces (1998-1999):
  • The US had a strong naval presence in the Pacific, including carriers, destroyers, and submarines.
  • Japan and South Korea had notable naval capabilities, including carriers and frigates.
  • China had a growing naval force, including amphibious ships and submarines.

Part Three: Comparative Military Manpower

• Selected Major Powers (1998):
  • The US, Russia, and China had the largest active military manpower.
  • Other Asian countries had smaller but varied numbers.
• Top Ten in Military Spending Per Active Man (1996):
  • The US led in military spending per active personnel, followed by Russia, China, and others.
• Asian Active Manpower (1999):
  • China, India, and South Korea had the highest numbers of active military personnel.
  • Japan and Taiwan had smaller forces, while other countries like Indonesia and Thailand had moderate numbers.

Part Four: Comparative Land Weapons

• Main Battle Tanks (1999):
  • China had the most main battle tanks, followed by North Korea and South Korea.
  • Other Asian countries had fewer tanks, with some having no tanks.
• Armored Fighting Vehicles and APCs (1999):
  • China had the highest number of armored fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers.
  • North Korea and South Korea had significant numbers, while others like Thailand and Vietnam had fewer.
• Artillery (1999):
  • China had a large number of self-propelled and towed artillery.
  • North Korea and South Korea had significant artillery capabilities, while other countries had smaller numbers.

Part Five: Comparative Air Weapons

• Fixed and Rotary Wing Combat Aircraft (1999):
  • China had the most combat aircraft, followed by India and Pakistan.
  • Japan and South Korea had fewer but still notable numbers.
  • Other Asian countries had limited air forces.

Part Six: Comparative Naval Weapons

• Naval Combat Ships (1999):
  • China had a growing number of naval combat ships, including destroyers and frigates.
  • Japan and South Korea had notable naval capabilities.
  • Other Asian countries had smaller naval forces.
• Western Naval Forces Affecting the Asian Balance (1999):
  • The US and other Western countries had a significant naval presence in the Pacific, influencing the regional balance.

Part Seven: Nuclear and Missile Forces

• The Nuclear Dimension (1998-1999):
  • The US and Russia had the largest nuclear arsenals, with the US having over 33,500 nuclear weapons.
  • China had a smaller but growing nuclear arsenal.
  • North Korea's nuclear capabilities were uncertain and under development.
• Chinese Deployed Nuclear-Capable Delivery Systems:
  • China had a variety of nuclear delivery systems, including ICBMs and SLBMs.
• Chinese Missile Programs:
  • China's missile programs showed significant development, including both strategic and tactical systems.
• US Intelligence Estimates of Chinese Modernization:
  • US intelligence suggested that China was modernizing its military, including its nuclear and missile capabilities.
• North Korean Force Developments:
  • North Korea's military developments were uncertain, with a focus on missile programs.
• North Korean Missile Programs:
  • North Korea had a growing missile program, including both ballistic and cruise missiles.
• India and Nuclear Weapons:
  • India had a significant nuclear arsenal, including ballistic and cruise missiles.
• Pakistan and Nuclear Weapons:
  • Pakistan had a smaller but growing nuclear arsenal.
• Chemical and Biological Weapons:
  • Both India and Pakistan had chemical and biological weapons programs, though details were limited.

Conclusion

The document outlines the military balance in Asia, highlighting the significant growth in China's military spending and capabilities, the increasing military expenditures of India and Pakistan, and the persistent military spending of North Korea. It also emphasizes the US military presence in the Pacific and its influence on the region. The data underscores the strategic importance of military modernization and the potential for regional tensions due to the varying levels of military investment and capabilities among Asian countries.