As China spends billions to upgrade and reorganize the People's Liberation Army, the deficiencies in competing Asia-Pacific militaries are coming into focus. Even some of China's much heralded military advances are drawing attention for their shortcomings. Here is a snapshot of some of Asia's less illustrious military equipment.
Nothing illustrates the disparity of power in the South China Sea more than the BRP Sierre Madre, a Philippine ex-naval vessel that was deliberately run aground on Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands in 1998. The ship — so rusted that walking over parts of the deck is impossible — is manned by a handful of marines and sailors. Its dilapidation contrasts with the 3,200 acres (1,300 hectares) of land that has been reclaimed by China in the same archipelago, creating seven islands.
It reportedly costs the Philippine government 3.6 million pesos ($76,900) in fuel each time it has to resupply troops on the Sierra Madre, who are replaced every three to five months. Each mission comes with the risk of run-ins with the Chinese coast guard.