China is a supersonic ‘Tardigrade’ in modern warfare.

A Tardigrade (AKA water bear) is an eight legged segmented micro animal (Ref. Britanica). Italian biologist ‘Spallanzani’ named it ‘Tardigrada’ meaning 'slow walkers'. Chinese scientists recently presented a new dimension in 'ice tattoo' technology using Tardigrades as they can survive harsh conditions (i.e. extreme temperatures, dehydration, radiation & toxic environments). As per Chinese Scientists, this could advance microbial sensors, bio inspired devices & living microrobots enabling the application of ice carving technology to bacteria & viruses, combining living & mechanical systems to enhance performance in future.

Although China is seen by a few as a slow walker, the Chinese civilization was the foremost inventor & contributor of many defense equipment & tactics used even today by armed forces globally. The face scarf worn by the naval commandos of the world’s first blue navy (Admiral Zheng He’s fleet in early 1400s AD) is now used globally by all elite commandos. China invented ‘Gun Powder’ but never used it to destroy humans. However, western colonizers got the knowhow & destroyed millions of humans & the environment with it. The compass benefits both civil & military purposes to date. Starting early 1500s AD all powerful states colonized parts of Great China using the knowledge China gifted, humiliating the Chinese for few centuries. 

On 1^st October 1949 the Peoples Republic of China was established. The military parade that day hasn’t had any weapons, aircrafts or ships produced in China. On October 25^th 1971 the Peoples Republic of China was offered its due place in the UN. The Chinese, who believe that hard work can convert an iron rod into a needle, walked the talk. Within 75 years they are the 2^nd largest economy & produces & supply equipment such as the Chengdu J-10 (Vigorous Dragons), T 054A (Jiangkai II) war ships & aircraft carriers such as the Fujian Type 003 etc.

The Vigorous Dragon

The J-10 or the ‘Firebird’ is a medium weight, single engine fighter jet produced by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation. It’s mainly designed for air to air combat, but can also perform strike missions. During the recent Indo-Pak conflict Pakistani pilots flying J-10s have destroyed few French made ‘Rafale’ fighter jets (Ref. Media). Some critiques thus say that France was the best loser in the Indo-Pak conflict. China which supported all elected governments of Sri Lanka since 1948 to protect its democracy & territorial integrity supplied many items including F-7 fighters to resolve conflicts within.  

Chinese battle ships.

 

The ‘Type 054A’ (Jiangkai II) battle ships Pakistani Navy received from China was a hot topic during the Indo-Pak conflict.  It is a modern warship that is smaller than a destroyer & is a development of the ‘Type 054’ frigate.  The 134M long ship has a medium range air defense capability with type 382 Radar & vertically launched HHQ 16 surface to air missiles (Ref. Media). 700 years ago China has had the capacity to build wooden ships approx 300 feet long (a century later Columbus had used a ship approx 75 feet to sail to the Americas – Ref. Chinese history). The ‘Parakramabahu’ (P625) is a showpiece asset of the Sri Lanka Navy received from China in 2019.

China’s win-win approach will ensure opportunities for the partners of the Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) to focus on conflict free sustainable development. However, those against China’s peaceful approach may attempt internal instability in BRI partner countries. As internal security & stability are essential for sustainable development, defense experts may confidently opt for Chinese technology more due to affordability, durability & accuracy in the years to come.

In 1964 when France celebrated the 175^th anniversary of the French revolution, journalists have asked Chinese Premier Zhu Enlai about its impact on the human civilization. He had reportedly said ‘it’s too early to comment’. The impact of Sri Lanka ending the 30 year violent conflict & joining the BRI shall be felt in centuries by some citizens in the future.