Why China's Special Forces Still Use Crossbows

Chinese Military's Use of Crossbows

The discussion explores the continued use of crossbows by modern Chinese military forces, delving into historical ties and contemporary applications.

Historical Significance of Crossbows

• Crossbow technology dates back to at least the 5th Century BC, potentially originating in China.

• In ancient China, crossbows played a pivotal role in unifying the country under the Ching Dynasty.

Modern Applications and Sponsorship

• Chinese military's use of crossbows extends beyond tradition, with specific operational roles.

• Sponsorship mention for a military-grade Siege 425 crossbow giveaway highlights modern advancements in crossbow technology.

Operational Justifications

• Chinese security forces utilize crossbows during protests due to their versatility with non-lethal bolts.

• The disputed border region between China and India may explain the resurgence of crossbow usage in both militaries as a form of compliance with treaties.

Cost and Technology of Crossbows

This segment delves into the financial aspects and technological advancements associated with modern-day crossbows.

Cost Disparities

• Chinese military units often purchase crossbows themselves, leading to varying models like Free Beer F325 or Starchaser 225 at high costs compared to firearms.

• The price range for Chinese crossbows can vary from 20,000 Yuan to over $111,000 USD for imported models, reflecting their luxury status akin to vintage items today.

Technological Advancements

Ancient vs. Modern Weaponry Comparison

The discussion compares ancient and modern weaponry, particularly focusing on the use of bows in current warfare scenarios.

Ancient Bows vs. Modern Tactics

• A comparison between ancient bows used in 2009 and modern tactical bows with advanced features like optics and triggers.

• Instances of soldiers using bows in irregular warfare tactics, such as a Russian soldier utilizing a bow with a grenade attached.

• Possible reasons for using bows include lack of grenade launchers, lighter weight for portability, and the ability to arc grenades effectively.

• Ukrainian resistance fighters employing crossbows made from scrap steel to launch Molotov cocktails.

• Mention of an IDF soldier shooting a flaming arrow to burn brush where potential threats hide.

Crossbows in Modern Warfare

The conversation delves into the persistent use of crossbows in contemporary military contexts, exploring various justifications and applications.

Crossbow Utilization Insights

• Crossbows being utilized due to their historical significance and practical applications in specific scenarios.

• Reports from Chinese military sources regarding the use of special crossbows by armed police units for certain operations.

• The claim that crossbows can be more effective than sniper rifles under certain circumstances, potentially serving as a strategic excuse for continued usage.

• Justifications for using crossbows include dealing with explosion risks by avoiding heat emission and low velocity projectiles.

• Discussion on the practicality of using crossbows against explosive threats and the rationale behind their continued deployment.

Crossbow Applications Beyond Warfare

Explores alternative uses for crossbows beyond traditional warfare settings, considering their categorization as "cold weapons" and potential roles in safeguarding critical infrastructure.

Diverse Applications of Crossbows

• Definition of "cold weapons" encompassing non-explosive arms like knives and daggers, highlighting potential uses in environments with flammable substances or explosives.

• Instances where crossbows are employed to protect high-explosive arsenals or guard nuclear weapons due to their non-explosive nature.

Chinese Military's Use of Crossbows

The discussion delves into the historical and contemporary use of crossbows by various military forces, with a focus on China's military traditions and strategies involving this ancient weapon.

China's Military Tradition with Crossbows

• Crossbows were used by Spain's Green Beret, Greek, and Turkish forces post-war. China, Greece, and Turkey share a rich military history incorporating crossbows.

• China aims to portray a more westernized military image with well-trained elite troops operating in small units, contrary to its traditional military approach.

• Jungles offer unique advantages for crossbow usage compared to deserts. South American armies establish zip lines in challenging jungle terrains using crossbows.

Advantages of Crossbows in Modern Warfare

• Crossbows are quieter than firearms but not completely silent. They produce less noise than unsuppressed firearms, aiding in stealth operations.

• High-performance crossbows have decibel levels comparable to a ninja - quiet with no muzzle blast or supersonic crack, reducing the risk of detection during operations.

Evolution and Practicality of Crossbow Technology

• Crossbows are user-friendly; soldiers can become proficient within minutes due to their similarity to shooting rifles. This ease of use revolutionized warfare technology compared to traditional bows.

• Modern crossbows feature optical or infrared sights for increased precision and firepower. Some Chinese models have time delay shooting mechanisms for improved accuracy.

Reliability and Customizability of Crossbows

• Crossbows are mechanically simpler than firearms, leading to fewer malfunctions. Their basic mechanics are easy to understand and maintain even in harsh conditions.

• Arrows used in crossbows are customizable for various needs such as connecting ropes, poison delivery, or cutting through soft body armor. Chinese Special Forces utilize them for stealth missions.

Chinese Military's Use of Crossbows

The Chinese military's utilization of crossbows is deeply rooted in their cultural heritage, blending tradition with modern warfare strategies.

Reflection on Tradition and Modern Warfare

• The current use of military crossbows in the Chinese military reflects the importance they place on integrating past traditions into present practices.

• General Sunsu compared the crossbow to a strategic configuration of power in his work "The Art of War," emphasizing its significance.

Strategic Configuration of Power

• General Sunsu likened the strategic configuration of power to a fully drawn crossbow, highlighting precision and focus in warfare tactics.

• He emphasized that those excelling in warfare have sharp constraints akin to releasing a trigger on a crossbow.

Preservation of History Through Weapons

While advancing technologically, the PLA maintains historical ties by training with traditional weapons like crossbows alongside modern armaments.

Balancing Tradition and Innovation

• The PLA trains with futuristic individual combat weapons while also preserving history through the use of crossbows.

• Despite advancements in weaponry like grenade launchers and assault rifles, the PLA values keeping historical traditions alive.

Military Grade Crossbow Giveaway

A promotional segment offering viewers a chance to win a military-grade Siege 425 crossbow while emphasizing marksmanship and historical ties to weaponry.

Promotional Opportunity

• Viewers are encouraged to participate in winning a military-grade Siege 425 crossbow for marksmanship practice.

• The giveaway aims to engage viewers in exploring traditional weaponry and testing their skills at new levels.

Upcoming Upgrade for F22 Raptor

Teaser for an upcoming video discussing upgrades for the American F22 Raptor aircraft, focusing on its enhanced capabilities for dominating Pacific operations.

Aircraft Upgrade Preview

• An upcoming video will detail significant upgrades planned for the American F22 Raptor aircraft, enhancing its dominance potential.