Senator Hirono asks the question that reveals the capabilities of Chinese Amphibious IFV

I'm still waiting for the transcript from the Senate Armed Services Committee, Sub Committee on Sea Power's hearing on Marine Corps Ground Modernization.

Senator Hirono asked about the Chinese High Speed Amphibious Vehicles armed with the 30mm cannon and 105mm gun.  The answer was rather shocking.  You can see the video here (its at the 1:24:00 mark).

Want a quick and dirty brief?  Ok.  Deputy Assistant Sec of the Navy Sec Dee took the question and let out this bombshell.  I'm paraphrasing (geez, just watch the video!) but he stated that "the advertised capabilities are overstated" (sidenote...I'm disappointed that Mr. Dee didn't address the part of the question concerning Chinese Amphibious Assault Ships...I wish Senator Hirono had held his feet to the fire on that one).

My guess?

The physics got the Chinese too, except that they're willing to accept the risks involved in having a "fragile" combat vehicle if it provides high water speed, is hard hitting and can get their infantry ashore.

This might be the first divergent view in armor development that we're seeing from the Chinese.  Consider.  Even the mighty M1 Abrams has been penetrated by a RPG variant. If the Chinese studied our fight in Iraq and believe that heavy armor is of limited value in a high end fight and are heading toward  lightly armored but hard hitting armored vehicles that are extremely mobile both tactically and strategically then it will be something new....and contrary to what we're seeing worldwide.

What will be a clue of this being a trend and not a one off?  Well the recent announcement that the Chinese have developed a light tank is one.  Another will be if we start seeing Trophy type anti-missile systems on their vehicles.