China Simulates Battles in Gulf of Mexico, State TV Reveals in Rare Wargame Footage
A rare report on Chinese state TV shows the PLA conducting wargame simulations of battles in the Gulf of Mexico, near Cuba and Mexico, signaling a potential expansion of its global military ambitions.
Is the dragon's shadow stretching to America's doorstep? A rare report on China's state-run CCTV on Friday has offered a glimpse into a People's Liberation Army (PLA) wargaming exercise that simulated conflicts far beyond Asia—right in the Gulf of Mexico.
A Virtual Battlefield in America's Backyard
According to the CCTV report, screens at a PLA facility displayed red and blue unit "indicators" representing aircraft and ships. In typical PLA drills, red represents the Chinese military and blue represents the enemy. The blue forces were shown congregating near Houston, Texas, and moving southeast into the Gulf of Mexico, while the red side was seen in the Caribbean Sea.
A Signal of Trans-Pacific Ambition
Despite its deepening economic ties in Latin America, China maintains a minimal military presence in the region. That's why this wargame is significant. It suggests the PLA is modeling potential conflicts far beyond its traditional focus on Taiwan and the South China Sea. While the broadcast also mentioned scenarios involving Taiwan and the Sea of Okhotsk, the inclusion of the Americas points to a shift in Beijing's global military ambitions.
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