China vs North Korea - October 2006

[MarkSheppard]

Basically from a nother board:

China reaches the tipping point with North Korea's nuke test, and demands a complete nuclear disarmament and halt to nuclear weapons development in North Korea. China begins to amass a massive ground and air force on the North Korean border. North Korea tells China to shove it, and declares that "any nation" that threatens North Korea will face nuclear attack. This is the last straw, and China invades North Korea, intending to replace the regime with a China-friendly leadership.

What forces would China need to complete an invasion of North Korea? How long would it take to overcome and occupy North Korea? What would the US, Japan, South Korea, the UN, etc. have to say?

Could be a very interesting campaign done here.

[cbreedon]

I played a little generated campaign this weekend with S Korea, Japana and China vs N Korea. It was fun although unlikely ....

[serg3d]

Woudln't China just roll over N. Korean forces, like US over regular Iraq army? N. Korea military mostly deterrent against S. Korea now - huge number of artillery tubes pointed to S. Korea cities, but that wouldn't work against China.

[MarkSheppard]

I'm not so sure about that; the norks have spent the last 50+ years preparing for war, the country is likely one giant armed camp; remember, until very recently, apartment buildings in Seoul were built with bunkers at ground level as part of the design.

[whdonnelly]

I've got to agree with you. Physically, the country has been prepared like Tarawa or Iwo Jima. If the KPA chooses to fight, it could get ugly. The end isn't in doubt, just the price to get there.

[serg3d]

Howevre defectors witness that army moral is low, army is poorly fed and low on fuel. Also in such political-economical situation army would be poorly trained. About fortifications - most of fortifications probably on the south and along coast lines. Anyway in 1941 German army passed through two Russian fortification lines ("Molotov line" and "Stalin line") barely slowing. Qualitative difference between China and North Korea Army probably no less then betwenn 1941 German and Russian Armies. Also China wouldn't be hindered by "humanitarian" issues.