Let's not confuse appearances with reality.
Lots of fighters?
Big Navy?
I was on a SAR Exercise once which the Mainland Navy joined in.
After about 24 hours hours 200 miles off the coast, the ship had to return to port as all the crew were seasick.
Uniforms with lots of stripes and shiny badges don't make you powerful.
BTW, who are they paranoid about protecting themselves from????
I don't see too many countries making noises about invading China??
Lets face it, the local little General with his latest gun/aeroplane/tank acquisition, who wants to go out and show off along some of the busiest airways, makes the Central Govt look likes dicks most of the time. I'm surprised they don't slap them down for making fools of the country in the International arena.