A lot of truths. However, they are coming from a few decades ago until now with the massive military buildup. Quite impressive. We have at it much longer. Much much longer. Modern missiles make up for youth a little.
But they are still using those Korean War vintage tanks as one of their main tanks.
And no, "modern missiles" do not make up as much as some may think. Of as much if not more importance is training and doctrine.
In 1991 Iraq had one of the largest and most modern militaries in the world in terms of equipment. However, their doctrine was hopelessly outdated compared to that of the US and NATO partners. And in Ukraine the flaws on the Russian military doctrine have been laid bare for all to see in the last year. They found themselves yet again bogged down by a military force that is able to exploit the weaknesses in that doctrine.
And in a navy that is even more important, as there are multiple types of ships in a fleet, and each have their roles. And the main ships traditionally have been battleships and carriers. But in the modern era, it is carriers alone. And then in support you have cruisers, destroyers, and frigates in some navies. Now the US has not used frigates since the last of the Oliver Hazard Perry class was retired in 2015, but some do consider the role of the LCS in a modern fleet to be similar. And if it is ever required, we do have 11 Perry class frigates that can be brought back into service. As well as 5 Ticonderoga class cruisers.
A fleet at sea is not just a collection of ships, it is akin to a team with each having their positions and roles in either an offensive or defensive play. And that is how the US has been using their ships almost exclusively for over a century.
A carrier does not work alone, it goes to sea as a Carrier Strike Group. Composed of normally the carrier (and aircraft), one or two Ticonderoga class Cruisers, a Destroyer Squadron with 3 Arleigh Burke class Destroyers, 2 attack submarines, then the support ships ranging from fuelers and supply to maintenance and logistics ships. And they remain in the same groups for years so each of the ships and crew are familiar with their roles.
That is what is meant by "doctrine", and that of the PLAN is simply not there. They operate ships individually, like a coast guard. They almost never operate in groups, and actually spend most of their time in port unless they send out one or two for short missions generally of a few weeks or less.
In the end, it does not matter all that much how good the missiles might be, as doctrinally they are like a sand lot stickball team hoping to play against the Washington Nationals. Sure they suck, and last year played for 55 wins and 107 losses. But they are still an experienced team that has trained together and would tear up a bunch of amateurs. Even if they are of professional caliber but had never had to work together as a team. That is the PLAN, they have almost no doctrine or experience in how to operate as a real navy.
