Sea of Dragons BattlesetThe South China Sea is a meeting point; it is bounded by the diametrically opposed nations of North and South Korea to the north, the inscrutable Chinese to the west, the fabulously successful Singaporeans to the south, and the Christian Philippines to the east. A vast amount of the world's shipping passes through it either to feed the huge appetites of the Japanese and Chinese or to satisfy the demands of Western consumer culture. Here, more than anywhere else in the world, does East and West meet.
Commercially, the South China Sea is a lifeline for some nations. Huge oil tankers regularly use the Sunda and Lombok Straits. It is a maritime crossroads and Singapore is one of the world's busiest ports. However, it is also a region of simmering tension. Vast oil and mineral deposits are said to lie under its waters. Also, pirates, some believed to be nationally sponsored, can be found lurking the littoral region. Korean CounterA period of rising tension, sparked by the U.S. announcement for withdrawal of the 2nd Division, has characterized relations between North and South Korea. Border incursions by North Korean special forces have increased and several acts of terrorism, carried out in strategic cities (e.g. the destruction of Pusan's main railway signaling centre), have been identified as occurring under North Korean instructions. The rhetoric issuing from both governments has become increasingly bellicose. In order to show commitment, the U.S. has moved the 7th Fleet to the East China Sea and has sent across both ground reinforcements and munitions. Although a number of U.N. resolutions have been passed, condemning the belligerent moves, only the U.K. and the Australians offer more than vocal support. A U.K. Marine Commando is flown to Twenty-Nine Palms and two frigates sent from the Gulf. Australia offers a battalion of troops, a DDG, and two frigates.
This scenario was inspired by the situation depicted by Andy Doty in the Sea of Dragons publication from Clash of Arms.
Author: Herman Hum
02.3 Night Action1.0 SitRep:
As part of the invasion plan for the Western Combined Army, a joint Marine and Special Forces regiment is to be inserted near the town of Sokch'o. The convoy will set out from Wonsan and will use darkness and the cover of the shoreline to achieve a safe transit. Contact with the enemy is to be avoided unless the safety of the transports is compromised.
Author: Herman Hum
3.2 Shark's Teeth1.0 SitRep:
With tension rising along the border, it has been deemed necessary to conduct an urgent re-supply/equipment transfer to the ROK division guarding the coast road. Many roads and highways are busy and it is believed that enemy saboteurs may strike at any time - especially at military convoys. As a result, seaborne re-supply has been chosen. This run is designed in part as an exercise to test seaborne re-supply capabilities.
Author: Herman Hum
04.0 First Shots [H3.6]Sea of Dragons Battleset - Korean Standoff
A period of rising tension, sparked by the U.S. announcement for withdrawal of the 2nd Division, has characterized relations between North and South Korea. Border incursions by North Korean special forces have increased and several acts of terrorism, carried out in strategic cities (e.g. the destruction of Pusan's main railway signaling centre), have been identified as occurring under North Korean instructions. The rhetoric issuing from both governments has become increasingly bellicose. In order to show commitment, the U.S. has moved the 7th Fleet to the East China Sea and has sent across both ground reinforcements and munitions. Although a number of U.N. resolutions have been passed, condemning the belligerent moves, only the U.K. and the Australians offer more than vocal support. A U.K. Marine Commando is flown to Twenty-Nine Palms and two frigates sent from the Gulf. Australia offers a battalion of troops, a DDG, and two frigates.
Author: Herman Hum
5.0 Night Raiders [H3.6]South Korean forces are desperately trying to organize. Striking them while they are in port and vulnerable will greatly help our cause.
Author: Herman Hum
06.0 Sitting Duck StationSea of Dragons Battleset - Korean Standoff
A period of rising tension, sparked by the U.S. announcement for withdrawal of the 2nd Division, has characterized relations between North and South Korea. Border incursions by North Korean special forces have increased and several acts of terrorism, carried out in strategic cities (e.g. the destruction of Pusan's main railway signaling centre), have been identified as occurring under North Korean instructions. The rhetoric issuing from both governments has become increasingly bellicose. In order to show commitment, the U.S. has moved the 7th Fleet to the East China Sea and has sent across both ground reinforcements and munitions. Although a number of U.N. resolutions have been passed, condemning the belligerent moves, only the U.K. and the Australians offer more than vocal support. A U.K. Marine Commando is flown to Twenty-Nine Palms and two frigates sent from the Gulf. Australia offers a battalion of troops, a DDG, and two frigates.
1.0 SitRep:
The pride of the fleet, the Kilo-class submarine Dear Leader, has been given orders to deploy from the Yellow Sea. Any target deemed valuable enough is to be sunk without question. Enemy warships are a priority, especially those believed to be engaged in the anti-ballistic missile mission.
The commander could not believe his luck when he got a strong ESM 'cut' on an AEgis radar.
Author: Herman Hum
07.0 Convoy Maemul Sudo [H3.6]Re-supply will be an important part of the Imperialist's war effort. A combined task force has been infiltrated to an anchorage on islands bordering Maemul Sudo, with the expressed aim of disrupting any Japan-to-Korea convoys. Destroy as many of the ships in the first major convoy to leave Japan as possible.
Author: Herman Hum
14.0 A Friend in NeedSea of Dragons Battleset - Two Brothers - China invades Taiwan
China flexes its muscles with lots of exercises around Taiwan. Although diplomatic objections are raised by a number of nations, the exercises continue. Then, the PRC declares a maritime blockade: any ships entering the waters around Taiwan will be stopped and 'contraband' goods confiscated. 'Contraband' is loosely defined, but vessels carrying coal, oil, and LNG would appear to be favoured targets.
As coal, oil, and LNG stocks fall, the Taiwanese navy starts to escort convoys through the blockade zone. Then, something goes wrong. A convoy is intercepted and somebody fires on someone they shouldn't have. The PRC immediately launches an invasion fleet.
This scenario was inspired by the situation depicted in the Sea of Dragons publication from Clash of Arms.
Author: Herman Hum
Trade BarrierIt did not take long for the full import of the U.S. withdrawal from the Philippines to become apparent. U.S. presence declined in the South China Sea and this allowed other navies greater freedom. The PLA(Navy), under strict orders from Beijing, stepped up its patrols around the Spratley archipelago. The Vietnamese and the Philippines vigorously protested this action, but not much was done to help them. By 1998, the Chinese felt confident enough to make a determined push for the whole of the island chain. By controlling the Spratleys, the PLA(Navy) would be in position to threaten busy shipping routes; the forces assigned there would also cover the Chinese invasion of the Philippines. Once the Philippines had fallen, no one would be able to oust the Chinese from their sea.
Much was carried out to ensure the smooth running of the initial stages of the operation. Vietnam was bribed into hamstringing the ASEAN response and the Philippine communist insurgency was expanded and financed by the PRC. Chinese Special Forces were clandestinely inserted to advise the guerrillas. All that was needed was a spark.
Author: Herman Hum
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