On Thu, 17 Jun 2004 14:07:09 -0400, Eric Pinnell see my web site wrote:

On Wed, 16 Jun 2004 23:28:32 +0100, (phil hunt)
wrote:

Why would they want one in Zimbabwe? maybe in 20 years time, but
China isn't in a position to have worldwide power projection yet.

Yeah, but they'd be in a position, for example, to stomp on third
world tin pot dictatorships anytime they want.
Africa is a big mess, maybe China's looking to become a major
player.
One has to wonder why Mugabe wants modern air power, since his
neighbors don't have much in the way of an air force, and air power
isn't all that useful if there's an armed rebellion.


Eric Pinnell

(Author, "Steel Rain", "Claws of The Dragon", "The Omega File")

For a preview, see: http://www.ericpinnell.com/books/previews.shtml

IMHO Mugabe is a charter member of the "mine is bigger than yours"
club. Like several other countries (i.e. India) he would rather have toys
than feed his people.

Al Minyard