Background

Summary: Throughout the last 10 years, the People’s republic of China has increasingly built up their military. At the same time they have also been expanding into the South China Sea. The US & Australia have recently been combating this threat with major exercises however, After the recent incident with PLAN Forces, it's time for more drastic action.   Terrain Familiarisation     Above: Aerial photograph from commerical airliner, main peninsula     Above: Typical woodland with hilly topography     Above: Large cliffs with wooden bridges in remote rural areas  

Situation:

The People's Republic of China is an expansionist power seeking to claim territory in the Indian ocean and South China Sea. China has already expanded into multiple smaller islands and island groups in the South China Sea, the most famous ones being the Spratly Islands, parts of which are also being claimed by Vietnam, The Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. After occupying these islands, China has initiated construction of a number of military installations, not least a fully functional military airport.    Whilst Beijing claims this expansion is a peaceful one, the reality is of a different character. These and surrounding islands are rich in natural resources which would be of great benefit to the Chinese economy and military, and their territorial claims - if found valid - would grant them access to these resources through international law. It is also a crucial area for seaborne shipping routes, and controlling these waters could put extra pressure on other countries opposing the Chinese expansion.    This has been met with great opposition, with a tribunal ruling against China’s claims and American warships frequently sailing through the area in a demonstration of force and free movement. Chinese officials have in return threatened to ram and sink the American boats sailing in the surrounding waters. To demonstrate their might, the military presence in the region has increased significantly, and a part of the South China Sea was in 2020 the target of Chinese ballistic missile tests. There are frequent standoffs between Chinese and other nations’ navies in the area.    Expansion is yet again on the table for the Chinese leaders. With Western attention drawn towards Russian activity in Eastern Europe and an ever-increasing demand for oil and gas, their eyes have been fixed on a number of islands further south in the South China Sea that are especially rich in oil and other natural resources.    In order to take over these islands, the PRC sent special operators disguised as workers and vacationers to spy on the small islands and infiltrate important social and political institutions. They then sent in the Navy to take ports, and with little resistance China soon became the de facto ruler of these islands. The citizens were quickly repressed, and neighbouring countries condemned the attack and quickly requested the United Nations to intervene. Any meaningful actions and statements were, however, rejected in the Security Council as the PRC enjoys veto powers there.    Over some time, both Australian and US navies have held exercises and exercised freedom of navigation in international waters around the islands. After the Chinese invasion, the US navy sailed past the islands as a show of force. The PLAN countered this show of force, and the two navies faced each other. Although details remain unclear, shots were fired but the situation did not escalate further at that point in time.    High-ranking US officers and politicians were deeply upset with the incident, however, and the US administration arranged emergency meetings with its allies, including Australia and NATO. In fact, the US has been looking for a bigger reason to allow military involvement in the South China Sea, and this incident just strengthened this desire. The US Congress approved the order to move the 31st MEU to the South China Sea with immediate effect.   This was kept hidden from the public until the US Navy was spotted by PLAN Vessels. Publicly the US and Australia announced joint operations in the South China Sea providing security to shipping lanes.  

Friendly Forces:

Small groups of resistance fighters still remain on many islands. However the PLA have completely dismantled anything that resembles a government. Intel suggests these small groups are almost acting like factions.     Above: IFF for US Army in OEF Camoflauge     Above: IFF for US Marine Corps in MARPAT Woodland Camoflauge  

Enemy Forces: 

We are expecting significant Chinese forces, including significant assets from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), and People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).      Above: IFF for People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in Type 19 Xingkong Camoflauge     Above: IFF for People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in Type 19 Xingkong Camoflauge with assorted PLA vehicles in mixed patterns.  

Mission

Our allies in Southeast Asia have had their territories invaded, and requested our assistance in reclaiming territory that is rightfully theirs. At the same time, the geopolitical situation in the South China Sea is precarious, and it is of utmost importance to the United States that we preserve the freedom of navigation through this area, a right that the PRC has unapologetically violated. Additionally, we have indications that the PRC are violating the inalienable human rights of the islanders, causing great suffering and a severely restricted freedom of speech and assembly. For these reasons, the US has resolved to invoke our commitment to the Responsibility to Protect to fight this oppressive and illegal annexation of land in the South China Sea.      As such, our main tasks in this theatre are:  1. To repel further military advances by the PRC 2. To reconquer any islands currently occupied by the PLA 3. To protect civilian populations from inhumane treatment and the general consequences of war