Comments by "Aristocles Athenaioi" (@aristoclesathenaioi4939) on "Behind China’s epic order of nearly 300 Airbus A320 aircraft" video.

  1. It seems to me that China is basically buying A320 airplanes from itself given that they manufacture A320 themselves. Essentially China is subsidizing their own airline industry. I should also note that the US Government effectively subsidizes Boeing given that Boeing has numerous military contracts with the US Department of Defense. In the 21st century a country needs a robust aircraft industry just as a country needed a blue water Navy in the 19th century. Aside from the obvious military advantages of a robust aircraft industry are the less obvious military logistical values. As General Omar Bradley famously said: “Amateurs talk strategy. Professionals talk logistics.” Looking at the heavy lift capabilities the US has used to supply the weapons to Ukraine demonstrates the importance of air cargo. None of the other NATO countries except Canada have needed to use air transport to deliver weapons to supply Ukraine. Whenever one sees a Boeing passenger plane or cargo plane, one should keep in mind those planes can carry troops and weapons in time of war. The CCP knows this very well and wants to make sure that they have the logistical capabilities needed to sustain an invasion of Taiwan. Looking back at the East Timor Crisis from 1999 to 2000 helps to frame the importance of logistical capabilities. The International Force for East Timor (INTERFET) from the United Nations and led by Australia was refused US ground troops but was able to secure vital support for airlift, logistics, specialised intelligence, over the horizon deterrence, and "diplomatic muscle". This sounds a lot like the situation in Ukraine today where the US refuses to commit troops but provides other capabilities. A war with China would require far more resources on both sides of such a conflict. Reading the Wikipedia article on the International Force East Timor https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Force_East_Timor helps to remind us of earlier conflicts like the current Russo-Ukrainian War when multiple nations needed to cooperate to stop a genocide. This comment has strayed from the initial topic of the CCP buying A320 jets. However, we should never forget conflicts like East Timor and the human pain and suffering inflicted on the Timorese as well as the fierce fighting to end the oppression in East Timor.
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