China and EMP weapons

From http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/jul/21/beijing-develops-radiation-weapons/:

Report: China building electromagnetic pulse weapons for use against U.S. carriers

China’s military is developing electromagnetic pulse weapons that Beijing plans to use against U.S. aircraft carriers in any future conflict over Taiwan, according to an intelligence report made public on Thursday.

Portions of a National Ground Intelligence Center study on the lethal effects of electromagnetic pulse (EMP) and high-powered microwave (HPM) weapons revealed that the arms are part of China’s so-called “assassin’s mace” arsenal – weapons that allow a technologically inferior China to defeat U.S. military forces.

…

The declassified intelligence report, obtained by the private National Security Archive, provides details on China’s EMP weapons and plans for their use. Annual Pentagon reports on China’s military in the past made only passing references to the arms.

“For use against Taiwan, China could detonate at a much lower altitude (30 to 40 kilometers) … to confine the EMP effects to Taiwan and its immediate vicinity and minimize damage to electronics on the mainland,” the report said. [or much higher up to maximize damage to the target - like the US. --DL]

The report, produced in 2005 and once labeled “secret,” stated that Chinese military writings have discussed building low-yield EMP warheads, but “it is not known whether [the Chinese] have actually done so.” [Any reason they wouldn’t? - DL]

The report said that in addition to EMP weapons, “any low-yield strategic nuclear warhead (or tactical nuclear warheads) could be used with similar effects.” [emphasis added]

…

“China’s [high-altitude] EMP capability could be used in two different ways: as a surprise measure after China’s initial strike against Taiwan and other U.S. [aircraft carrier strike group] assets have moved into a vulnerable position, and as a bluff intended to dissuade the United States from defending Taiwan with a CVBG,” the Pentagon acronym for carrier strike groups. [ a real surprise would be way up over Kansas, high enough to effect both coasts - DL]

There’s more in the original article.

Imagine all or most things electronic broken. Satellites fried . Cars and trucks kapoot. Cell towers fried to a crispy nonfunctional status. Cash registers not registering. ATMs useless. Pacemakers not pacing. Traffic lights, toll booths, gas pumps, electric ovens......EasyPass! The horror.

Got a short term plan? Short term: At least $ 1,000 in Federal Reserve Notes, aka as dollars, safe water source whether bottled or otherwise, food that does not require refrigeration, extra supplies of prescription medications and DME (durable medical equipment) for about a week or two. Solar power system(s) to recharge cell phones (not that they would work, but for apps perhaps) and other electronics. 5 or 10 gallons of gas for your car as a minimum. Solar battery charger -- I wish I could say I need to charge the batteries for my NVGs but at least for flashlights. I was just thinking my Mr Coffee might need a backup! What else do you need for a 3 -7 day 'event'?

What about long term? “One Second After” is a disturbing novel that describes the after-effects of such a bomb a few hundred miles over the center of CONUS (Continental United States). If you haven’t read it, you should. A fine book. China has EMPs. Who else does, or could buy them? But long term needs are a bit different ... Perhaps more cash, definitely bullion of some sort, personally I have doubts that the veneer of civil behavior will last all that long (9 missed meals and people become very goal oriented), so defensive weapons backed by 10 magazines per weapon and a good stash of ammo at your home (and safe haven if you got one), some place to bug out to if you live in a city or suburbs and get away to an environment that can grow your own food to supplement your pantry - unless you believe that the Feds will be able to feed you as the 'just in time' deliveries become increasingly sporadic as infrastructure implodes, as much Rx meds as you doc will give you to stash -- and learn how to taper off the meds that you need to taper off (narcotics, many blood pressure pills, lots of meds affecting the brain whether for ADD or depression). Celox to augment your already well-stocked first aid kits. A cooking stove to boil water and cook food (upcoming review of EcoZoom’s Versa Stove), and the list goes on and on. EMP-proof transportation -- likely a Mt Bike or wheelbarrow -- unless you're lucky enough to be a mechanic with appropriate back-up parts. Good friends who have what you don't and vice versa. A rally point(s), CBs or other walkie talkie devices (kept safe from EMP like in your basement in a metal garbage can.) I guess the the degree of preparedness correlates to your perception of likelihood of the threat (wait too long and oops, nothing on the shelves*), to your hobbies (hiking/camping has lots of dual use tools and skills), and a host of other factors. I like to shoot, so the expenditures for weapons and gear is mostly out of my 'hobbies' budget, as is various camping/bug-out gear. Some is straight preparedness. Do what your budget allows and prioritize carefully.

The EMP threat from China is real; well, we know it's do-able, they have nukes and that's all it takes. Do they have the gumption? What if the US government puts a halt to the sales of large tracts of farmland they are buying? Personally, I just add it to the 'rare but catastrophic' list. Am I about to envelop my garage in steel mesh to protect against an EMP? No. But I did stash some electronics in metal garbage can (with lid) in the basement.

If you need a safe haven as part of your prepping, email me about a site in the NE....

* Please see “Top 100 Items to DisappearFirst During a National Emergency” at ttp://baconreport.blogspot.com/2007/07/top-100-items-to-disappear-first-during.html. Make sure you have what you’ll need.