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It is considered that this combined CCN Fleet would be capable of:-
(a)
Small offensive sweeps using destroyers, frigates, and MTBs.
(b)
A limited amount of submarine patrol activity.
(c)
A fairly extensive mine-laying campaign.
(a) Coastal convoy protection.
In addition it could undertake conventional amphibious landings backed up by the use of a fairly limited number of the many thousands of motorised junks available to them, and aided by an elementary form of gun fire support.
7. The total numbers of the CCN ships and craft given in Appendix A Parts I and II is based on an assessment of operational strength as on 1st January 1956.
However, it is known that a fair amount of construction is at present being undertaken in Shanghai and probably in Dairen. In addition the possibility of the gift or loan of ships and craft from the Soviet Navy must also be borne in mind. The details of the additional ships and craft from both these sources, together with the probable maximum number that the CCN is estimated to be able to absorb up to the end of 1958 is given in Appendix A Part III. These additional vessels, however, are unlikoly to alter the capabilities of the CCN as given in paragraph 6, but would certainly add strength and more flexibility to each of the operations.
Chinese Communist Naval Air Forces (CCNAF)
The capabilities and probable employment of the CCNAF is discussed in this paper under the Chinese Air Forces (CAF).
8.
Amphibious Operations.
9.
The
The Southern Fleets amphibious ships and craft are thought to be capable of lifting about 9,000 lightly equipped troops. With the aid of motor junks and similar craft in the area, about 20,000 additional troops with their equipment could probably be transported across the short sca routes from the Pearl River, Doop Bay or Bias Bay areas for an attack on Hong Kong. Gun fire support from the Fleet would not be heavy and of only a very elementary form, but could include guns of up to 100 mm. additional ships and craft from the Northern Fleet are thought to be physically capable of lifting a further 100,000 fully equipped troops, but operational availability of the ships would probably reduce this figure to about 80,000. The large additional lift that might come from merchant men and coastal junks could probably not be used, owing to the inability of the CCN to control so large a force during a long sea passage. Gun fire support from this Fleet could be fairly heavy from guns up to 130 mm in size, it would be of only elementary standard. The two Fleets are therefore considered capable of lifting a...maximum of about 110,000 fully equipped troops.
Air Forces
but
10.
The Chinese Air Forces (CAF) consist of some 1,200 fighters, 800 bombers and 130 transport aircraft. Most of the fighters are modern jets, but at least half the bombers are obsolescent piston engined aircraft. The CAF are therefore primarily defensive in character; their offensive power is not great, but is increasing through the introduction into service of more jet bombers.
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