I noted their small combtatants.
Chinese naval helicopters are also being armed with anti-ship and anti-helicopter weapons:
Chinese Z-9 helicopter gunships stationed near the coast opposite Taiwan, have been spotted carrying a full load (eight) of TY-90 air-to-air missiles. The TY-90 is a modified version of a shoulder fired anti-aircraft missile, designed specifically to be carried by helicopters, for use against enemy helicopters. ... This would be done
over the Taiwan Straits, during an invasion of Taiwan.
The Z-9 is a license built version of the French AS 365N Dauphin. It's a four ton chopper with a two ton payload. China has built over 200 of the Z-9s and many have been armed (with twin 23mm cannon, torpedoes, anti-tank missiles and air-to-air missiles.)
China has also introduced a new air launched anti-ship missile, the TL-10, for the Z-9 helicopter gunship.
The Chinese are preparing to control the Taiwan Strait long enough to invade and conquer Taiwan. Notwithstanding their ongoing charm offensive and the willingness of so many to believe that Chinese-Taiwanese relations are actually improving rather than just being papered over with happy talk.
