WestPac

Qian Kong Kuai
 
The Senkaku/Diaoyu islands comprise small volcanic islands and three rocky outcrops at the eastern edge of the East China Sea. The dispute between China and Japan over their sovereignty goes back 500 years, and with the potential of huge offshore oil and gas reserves in the region, shows no sign of resolution. Now China has begun to exploit the resource, and Japan has responded in kind. Now that the Taiwan and Korea questions have been answered, China feels daring enough to enforce its claim on the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands. Once again, competing economic interests in dangerous proximity result in military action. Released August 2005.

Thunder Dragon meets the Gold Eagle
 
One of the most significant obstacles to a forced reunification between the PRC and the Republic of China (ROC, commonly referred to as Taiwan) is the US Navy. The presence of a US Navy carrier strike group in the vicinity would pose a very serious danger to PRC military action. Does the PRC possess the capability to neutralize the threat ? Try it and see for yourself. Released September 2005.

Third Idea
 
Negative sentiments flowing from Japan's role in the Second World War continue to run deep in Asia, even six decades later. This remains especially true in China. Nevertheless Beijing tooks steps to rein in vehement anti-Japanese rallies in Spring 2005, ostensibly with the intention of protecting its own internal stability. And yet there was a deeper strategy at work. A newly revitalized relationship between Russia and the PRC, on both economic and defence levels, resulted in a joint plan to seize a commanding position in the Asian sphere of influence. The only obstacles ? Japan and its ally, the United States. Released October 2005.

Blame it on the Kellys
 
A growing dispute between Indonesia and Papua-New Guinea about rights to a newly discovered uranium deposit on their mutual border has led to the intervention of China and Australia on opposite sides. China, eager to gain access to the uranium, has sent a sizeable force into the region to support the Indonesian claim. Indonesia has likewise shifted considerable military assets eastward into the disputed area. Overflights of Papua-New Guinea airspace by unknown (and presumably Chinese) aircraft have already been reported. Meanwhile, Australia is moving to support its old colony, and New Zealand is pledging assistance. Released January 2006.

My Pet Dragon
 
The European Union has long been unhappy with American economic and military sanctions against the People's Republic of China. In recent years, the EU has grown increasingly concerned that the sanctions were unduly stifling European prosperity by blocking access to a huge market. The EU continued to bring diplomatic pressure to bear on Washington as the sanctions dragged on, hoping that eventually they would be lifted. Instead, when American intelligence community insisted that it had discovered an apparent link between China and the Iranian nuclear weapons program, the sanctions were tightened, much to the chagrin of the EU. The focus has now shifted away from diplomacy, and the EU is determined to exploit potential economic opportunities in the PRC. Cargo ships are now enroute from the EU to China, carrying Ariane 5 rocket components from France and Type 212 submarine technology from Germany. The convoy is defended. The Americans are incensed and vow to stop the shipment. Released January 2006.

Thirst for Victory v2.0
 
The relationship between Singapore and Malaysia has never been particularly great, due in large part to historical sensitivities, some stemming from the time of their separation in 1965. Diplomatic level interventions by Australian in the 1980s (through the Five Power Defence Arrangement, or FPDA) helped to encourage better dialogue and cooperation, particularly in defence matters, but there remains an underlying friction between Singaporeans and Malays. Modern era difficulties include unresolved territorial and airspace disputes, customs and immigration issues, new cross-border bridges and railways, and the continued reliance of Singapore upon fresh water supplies from Malaysia. Released February 2006.

Bad Moon Rising
 
The launch of a Chinese lunar module experiment has failed, with the spacecraft returning to earth somewhere in the central Sea of Okhotsk (according to USAF Space Command). What is alarming, however, is that a scientist from the Chinese space program has defected to Japan, and he has some ominous news. He claims that the rocket was actually carrying an anti-satellite weapon that was being launched by the PRC as a prelude to an impending attack against Taiwan. The race is on to recover the module. Released January 2006.

Dynasty
 
The war with the Americans and its puppet allies is several days old, and going well. So well, in fact, that there are signs of severe fractures in the political support for the war in Washington. Beijing believes the American President is becoming increasingly fearful of losing the war, and may try to neutralize our nuclear deterrent as a prelude to their own escalation to nuclear conflict. To play from the Blue side, try the scenario "The Ninth Immortal". Released February 2006.

The Ninth Immortal
 
War with the People's Republic of China is several days old, and going well. So well, in fact, that there are signs of severe fractures in the political structure in Beijing. National Command Authority is becoming increasingly concerned that the PRC may raise the stakes and risk nuclear escalation rather than face humiliation. Satellite reconnaissance indicates a brand new Chinese ballistic missile submarine is preparing to go to sea. To play from the Red side, try the scenario "Dynasty". Released February 2006.

Predator or Prey
 
Having taken responsibility for its own defence, and in the face of increased dialogue and openness on the part of the North, the Republic of Korea has tacitly encouraged the departure of US troops on the Korean Peninsula. Responsibilities elsewhere have accelerated this redeployment and reshaped the American presence from a military force into a wholly diplomatic delegation. An end to the decades old stand-off between the two Koreas appears imminent, and yet something is not quite right about this new atmosphere of peace and reunification. Key anti-Communist legislation was recently dismantled in Seoul, and regular military exercises with the Americans have been called off this year due to financial pressures. While the mood seems ripe for conciliation, everyone knows that a predator will always choose to strike when the prey is least expecting attack. Released February 2006.

Hello,
 
this is an updated version of my former scenario. Hope you enjoy it!
 
Regards,
 
Ralf