China: May 12, 2000

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Photos from non-military satellites show little evidence of a Chinese military build up in the coastal area opposite Taiwan. In particular, the photos show that Chinese airfields can hold only a relatively small number of aircraft, not nearly enough to defeat the Taiwanese air force. Without such air superiority, an amphibious operation against Taiwan is impossible. The photos show objects as small as one meter, which means armored vehicles, trucks,  warships and aircraft are clearly visible.