PRC MILITARY OPTIONS IN THE TAIWAN STRAIT AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA IN 1976

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CIA-RDP86T00608R000700100001-4
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RIPPUB
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S
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32
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December 14, 2016
Document Release Date: 
November 14, 2000
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1
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Publication Date: 
September 1, 1975
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MEMO
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GYA/OSR' /`MEMO EF 7'S Approved For Release 2001/08/21 : CIA-RDP86T00608R000700100001-4 Naro~N ~-~ 5 s MEMORANDUM PRC Military O tions in the Taiwan Strait and the SOuth China Sea in 1976 ClaesIJled by Exempt Ir . cm of # 0 17 ecSndulo This blind memorandum was prepared in the Eastern Forces Division, Office of Strategic Research and distributed to the NIO, China and the National Security council *in September 2975. be addressed to the rrinn_,.nn7 Queries and comments may Approved For Release 2001/08/21 : CIA-RDP86T00608R000700100001-4 Approved For Release 2001/08/21 : CIA-RDP86T00608R000700100001-4 r?.r?.1W::rtYr.?FW`rw1W+r+r.Lw...?.s:.vY.ru.W.u?.. b..??v ?+.L'.I:r1hr...~erw..I 1..1'r.??'r.r??L+.vnwww..ru...l.wwJ+w wrs.l.....+ _ YI.?..?__ _ _ ._+..._.w.wr? NOT RELcAc,\GLE TO FOREIGN NATIONALS PRC Military Options in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea in 1976 Principal Conclusions Although the Chinese traditionally have shown restraint in their use of force, they have not hesitated to engage in military operations after determining that a sufficient threat or provocation existed and that there were reasonably good prospects for success. This was illustrated by Peking's actions in the Paracels in early 1974. There are four areas in the East and South China Seas where the Chinese conceivably could exercise options; these include Pratas Island, the Spratlys, the Offshore Islands, and the Pescadores. Peking, however, probably will not initiate military operations in 1976 unless the threat to its interest escalates perceptibly. From Peking's point of view, the major constraints on initiating military actions in 1976 appear to be: --reluntance to alter the delicately balanced Sino-US-soviet triangle --fear of further growth of Soviet influence in southeast Asia --desire to avoid a deterioration in Sino- Vietnamese relations --inability'to mount amphibious operations on a large scale Several contingencies, however, could alter the prognosis for 1976. --A US abrogation of its defense treaty with the ROC, or any limitations on the grounds for US intervention, could remove major constraints to PRC action. --A pronounced deterioration in Sino-US relations could induce China to probe US resolve in the Taiwan Strait area. S!=~; ^"i NOT R22LEnSAGLE TO...__ ._... Approved For Release 2001/08/21 : CIA-RDP86T00608R000700100001-4 Approved For Release Z001M NOT RELEASABLE TO FOFEIGN NATIONALS --Any lessening of the Sino-Soviet dispute could increase Peking's freedom of action in regard to any of its options. The converse would be true if Sino-Soviet relations worsened. --A serious rift with Vietnam might cause the PRC to intervene in the South China Sea. --Confirmation that Taipei was close to developing a nuclear device could conceivably provoke PRC action against the ROC. 1i' SECRET Approved For Release 2Qf 1lVgQt;1c;,, RDP86T00608R000700100001-4 Approved For Release 2001/08/21 : CIA-RDP86T00608R000700100001-4 NOWT r,ELC-ASACLE TO J:c:.=:%. i_; i?,.'j!ONALS Page Introduction 1 The Likelihood of the PRC's Initiating Military Operations in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea in 1976 Situations Which Could Alter the Peaceful Prognosis 4 US Actions Soviet Actions DRV Actions ROC Actions PRC Military Capabilities Against Specific Targets in 1976 PRC Military Capabilities Likelihood of Initiating Military Action Opposing Forces Background Discussion Spratly Islands 10 PRC Military Capabilities Likelihood of Initiating Military Action Opposing Forces Backgrot:.nd Discussion Offshore Islands 14 PRC Military Capabilities Likelihood of Initiating Military Action Opposing Forces Background Discussion Approved For Release 20014p LLj - IA-RDP86T00608R000700100001-4 Approved For Release 2001/08/21 : CIA-RDP86T00608R000700100001-4 (Continued) P a Pescadores 19 PRC Military Capabilities Likelihood of Initiating Military Action Opposing Forces Background Discussion Maps Islands in the. South China Sea Spratly Islands Pratas Island Republic of China (showing the Offshore Islands and the Pescadcres) S[_C?.;_ NOT r;E;F,',SA2[E TO LOREIGI, NATIONALS IV NOT F REASABCE TOE Approved For Release 200lOAf ; ?al~ --,15RJF' T00608R000700100001-4 Approved For Release 2001/08/21 : CIA-RDP86T00608R000700100001-4 1 NOT RL?LEASAA~-LF. TO FORE!GN NATIONALS PRC Military Options in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea in 1976 Introduction: Peking's past military operations have been characterized by caution and restraint. Nevertheless, the PRC has shown little hesitation to use force after determining that a sufficient threat or provocation existed and that there were reasonably good prospect for success. Peking's inter- vention in the Korean Conflict in 1950 and actions taken against India in 1962 are prime examples. Nor did Peking, in its limited military actions in 1958 and 1962, hesitate to use force against Taiwan. Only recently, PRC spokesmen indicated that force continues to be an option in the Paracels last year demonstrated a capability to jnitiate limited military operations over water successfully. With the past as prologue, this paper will examine a variety of military options--those regarding Pratas Island. the Spratlys, the Offshore Islands, ar;-l the Pescadores. Approved For Release 2001/4,~A~'1rM@Wi00608R000700100001-4 Approved For Release 2001/08/21 : CIA-RDP86T00608R000700100001-4 Paracel Islands Amphitrite Group Canton HONG KONG MACAO (U K.) I Port.) PRATAS ISLANO, Pr.S s Red Macclesfield Bank SOUTH CHINA SEA Northeast car,' ? Tkitr,` __-Wear York Losito\ Its Aki Ilueka $PretIY\ Spratly Islands,,''seeitc+ Cewe PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF CHINA BRUNEI Taipei REPUOLIC OF CHINA TAIWAN Kao?hsiung?. J J - Manila' PHILIPPINES r7 .r , -~1 Miler 3537i3 z-14 - 01-4 Approved For Release 2001/08/21 : CIA-RDP86T00608R000700100001-4 NOT RELEA... 3LE TO FOREIGN NAl',0NALS The Likelihood of the PRC's Initiating Military Operations in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea in 1.976 Even in the short term, predicting any nation's intentions to engage in a.military adventure is difficult. In the past Peking's decisions regarding the use or non-use of force appear to have involved rational considerations of national interests based on military, political, and economic factors. An assessment of these considerations in terms of risk, gain, and military capabilities constitutes one .means of predicting the likelihood of future military operations, but the con- clusions reached must be considered as only rough approximations. The major constraints on PRC military actions in 1976 appear to be China's reluctance to alter the delicately balanced Sino-US-Soviet triangle, Peking's fear of further growth of Soviet influence in Southeast Asia and a related desire to avoid a deterioration in Sino-Vietnamese relations, and China's inability to mount amphibious operations on a large scale. The primary impetus for military actions is the long-standing desire to recove all Chinese-claimed territory, particularly Taiwan's reunification with the mainland, and an avid interest in the potential economic resources in the adjacent East and South China Seas. Approved For Release 2001S9/, ~lA-RDP86T00608R000700100001-4 ~~nT.P."~r?n~ "'.' TO .> ~Y.~.: y ...-yAppraced: a ReJease~0 /A~% ? A-RDR8Fr ~688RAt?? -0~ 808~?1-4 --- NOT P=1.EASPJE E TO Clearly, the prize most coveted by the PRC is Taiwan. In the short term, however, peaceful reunification appears highly unlikely and, as long as the US maintains its defense commitments to the Republic of China, a PRC invasion would offer no expection of success. We have therefore excluded this option for the PRC in 1976. Pratas Island, controlled by the ROC and claimed by Peking, could be overwhelmed by a PRC assault or blockade at any time. The island has no strategic importance, however, and Peking probably is willing to defer action there--pending the resolution of the overall Taiwan issue--when Pratas would fall to the PRC by default. In the Spratlys, unless there is confirmation of large deposits of exploitable natural resources, Peking probably is willing to let time take its course. The ROC presence on Itu Aba in the Spratlys for now may be sufficient protection for a "Chinese" claim to the islands, whereas the projection of Peking's forces into the area would run the tisk of military confrontations both with Vietnam and the Philippines--countries with which Peking would be reluctant to precipitate a deterior- ation in relations. Unlike the preceding areas, the Offshore Islands have formidable defenses. A PRC blockade to force the Nationalist garrisons to capitulate is feasible and would be the least risky course for Peking, but would require six to twelve NOT p-3. AELr TO Approved For Release'"2001%08121 ' CIA-RDP86TOO6O8R000700100001-4 Approved For Release 2001/08/21 : CIA-RDP86T00608R000700100001-4 ~~r?f'r'- NOT f"'_".SABLE TO Fc'. months to achieve success. Peking's fears that a campaign against Lhe Offshore Islands might disbalance the Sino-US- Soviet triangle or cause the US to reassess its support for Taiwan, however, appear to be the most important constraints to PRC military actions there in 1976. A PRC assault or blockade of the Pescadores is the most improbable option. Such an action would be regarded in Taipei as a prelude to an attack on Taiwan, requiring a maximum defensive effort. In any event, the chances of PRC military operations in 1976 against the Pescadores are highly unlikely because of the strong possibility of intervention in some fashion by the US. Situations Which Could Alter the Peaceful Prognosis US Actions. A US abrogation of its defense treaty with the ROC, or any limitations on the grounds for US intervention, could remove major constraints to PRC action against the Offshore Islands, the Pescadores, and even Taiwan. Nonetheless, fear of destroying the improving relations with the US probably would still act as an important deterrent to PRC military adventures. Sr n V-% 10 P~.L 5~ E TO Approved For Release. 0:1,1 :P~-RDP86T00608R000700100001-4 Approved For Release 2001/08/21 : CIA-RDP86T00608R000700100001-4 NOT F.71 LC:1S'''1 _ ?O FOREIGN NATION,-,!.S A pronounced deterioration in Sino-US relations also could lead China to probe US resolve in the Taiwan Strait area. If the US acted withfirmness, Peking probably would pull. back from the brink of confrontation--especially in the case of the Pescadores and probably in the case of the Offshore Islands as well. Soviet Actions. Any lessening of the Sino-Soviet dispute could increase Peking's freedom of action in regard to any of its options. Under such circumstances, additional military forces would be available and, more important, Peking might be willing to accept some deterioration in Sino-US detente. On the other hand, worsening of Sino-Soviet relations would further reduce Peking's freedom of action. Under such circumstances, Peking probably would avoid any military operation that reduced the capabilities of PRC forces assigned to ordesignated as reinforcements for the northerh border. Thus, the PRC also would be particularly unwilling to take any action leading to a deterioration in Sino-US detente. Vietnamese Actions. A serious raft with Vietnam might cause the PRC to intervene in the south China Sea. Specifically, action by the Vietnamese to seize all the Spartlys might oblige the PRC to react v ith force. However, the likelihood of such a confrontation, assuming a maximum Vietnamese effort, Approved For Release 2001$j2LE&Al6T00608R000700100001-4 LOREiC'11 RATION,'-.L Approved For Release 2001/08/21 : CIA-RDP86T00608R000700100001-4 VIfWCG7~1`I[QaKLI[~WdJiLI'L.w.W...n eatlWVa. v,. N. ... ..+_sfl tivil.~.:uM~..n'n'.n...~~..w::Vn r.6.J.Y J...ir. n.'.^. '~N(-v mi#s.~Yllc~!.R.>'n.ui~+ 'flIY..a4r-.l.'V?'s-...~MYJI IfrJ.tYGG '_`_~:. ~.. '. . NOT EELtASA2LE TO FC ;E GN NATIONALS is difficult to judge. In fact, the PRC may concede that its capabilities, in an area so far from the mainland bases, are insufficient against the well-equipped and experienced Vietnamese. ROC Actions. Confirmation that Taipei was close to developing a nuclear device could conceivably provoke PRC action against the ROC. Peking might first attempt to pressure Taipei to terminate the project by urging the US to exert its influence. Failing this, military action might be considered. But any such action, diplomatic or military, seems beyond the time frame of this memorandum. Approved For Release 20011211`Lt1%kbW6T00608R000700100001-4 Approved For Release 2001/08/21 : CIA-RDP86T00608R000700100001-4 ANNEX NOT rF1[,%SAgLE TQ' FO S;GN NATIONALS PRC Military Capabilities Against Specific Targets in 1976 Pratas Island PRC Military Capabilities: Likelihood of Initiating Military Action: unlikely Opposing Forces*: PRC ROC Ground 1,500-2,500 300-500 Air 650 fighters 0 50 bombers Navy 2 LSTs 0 4 LSMs 1 Luta DDG 1-2 f:iga OEGSs 2-3 Kiangnan DEs 2-3 MSFs 2-3 PCs (2-3 Osas and Huchwans, if required) Background: Pratas Island is a circular coral barrier reef, roughly 13 miles in diameter, with an island on the west side. It is about 135 miles from the mainland and 340 miles southwest of Taiwan. The reef, located a few miles northeast of the sea lane between Hong King and Manila, is a * Data included in the tables of opposing forces are in part judg- mental. After the size of the garrison was determined in each case; the likelihood of reinforcements to augment those troops committed to defend the area was assessed. This led to estimates of the PRC forces--required and available--based on such factors as distances from the mainland and ranges of weapon systems. Ground force requirements were developed the assumption that, at minimum, a 5-1 numerical superiority was essential. .OREIGN NATIONALS Approved For Release 200.1/08/21 : CIA-RDP86T00608R000700100001-4 Pratas Island n runway bratas'lsland (Tung?sha Tao) -- ? ? South ..t H WV "013i CNAO) SOUTH t Y G' ?4 5' t t o' S0' ? ; Northwest Horn ? ? 1 (Pe,hatChrao) '?o a .d94 ? a0 SOUTH CHINA ? s? a C. ~ p 0 CHINA SEA ?s. r,..,,,~.t~r ..-p._ ~? Northeast Po.nf (Pe?tung Chao) 8 EA 11I ? ~~ East o ? _ * 1 Pont (rung F . chao) ? T a u up'-r (Nan-lung Chao) I > 91MV0. -" 7 - A Approved For Release 2001/08/21 : CIA-RDP86T00608R000700100001-4 roved For Release 2001/08/21 : CIA-RDP86T00608R000700100001-4 ? ?~1 t'?~~' .v?91J shipping hazard because soundings give little warning of its proximity. Most of it uncovers at low tide. Its lagoon is studded with coral heads and a few rocks. Anchorages are available only for small ships. Both Chinas claim ownership of Pratas, but neither has made a public issue of it in recent years. The PRC has never occupiedthe island. The ROC maint,iins a military garrison there of about 300 troops and in 1964 constructed an airfield with a 5,000 foot concrete runway on the north arm of the island. Fev, if any, prepared defensive positions have been built. The ROC also operates a weather observatory and a radio station on the island. Discussion Peking would gain little by occupying the island. ..Pratas has little military or economic significance, and the PRC probably is willing to maintain the status quo, awaiting settlement of the larg,?r issue of Taiwan. Peking may fear that seizing Pratas would have some adverse effect on achieving its long range objectives of reducing US ties with the Nationalists and reunifying Taiwan with the mainland. But if the PRC decided to dislodge the ROC from Pratas, it -could easily establish sea and air supremacy. Furthermore, the small PFtC garrsion probably could be quickly, overcome, because ample forces are avilable for an invasion. Geographic Appro.ved.ForRRlease 2001/08/21 :CIA-RDP86tOO608R000700100001-4 ME07Q010,,Q01~ 4 .M ~......_.~ ......,,.~__~ y assault against Pratas be made by factors require that any small boats or rubber rafts approaching from the west. Coincident with an amphibious assault, an airborne force and of 200-300 troops could be used to secure the runway disrupt ROC defenses. The PRC also is capable of blockading the island--?a method that would result in far fewer casualties. The distance from Taiwan'to Pratas would severly limit any Nationalist reaction to PRC movements. Approved For Release 2001/08/21 CUx='RD 86T00608R000700400001-4 ..b.r,...~,v w:w?*pproved FaM~f~elea re 2094/x8124 r a r,~T 1n~~- T t 86WOraOSROOD7001.09,D, t 4:.._. . Spratly Islands PRC Military Capabilities: Likelihood of Initiating Military Action: doubtful Opposing Forces: :PRC ROC DRV Philippines Ground 2,500 500 100 200 Air* 10 IL-28RS 0 (used for reconnais- sance only) Navy i 2 LSTs 0 4 LSMs 1 Luta DDGSs 1-2 Riga DEGSs 1-2 Kiangnan DEs 4-5 MSFs 2-3 AOs 2-3 AKs 200 MIGs 0 17/19/21s 100 F-5s/A-37s 3 Komars 0 `4-36 patrol gun Boats Background: Sovereignty over the Spratlys 80 small islands, islets, reefs and rocks, has been* in dispute for over a century. As recently as January 1974, the PRC reiterated its claim to the Spratlys, but unlike the other claimants-- Vietnam, the Philippines, and the ROC--it has not established a presence there. Although the total land area of the islands is only one square mile, the possiblity of discovering exploitable seabed resources in the area insures continuing friction over ownershi: * PRC TU-16 bombers could operate over the Spratlys, but because they would be without fighter escorts are not likely to be used. SECR T 10 - NOT F.NL'_ASA!CE TO Fr ' :r .j D.1T ~ntn Approved For Refease 2001/08/21: CIA-RDP86T0(T608R000700100001-4 Approved For Release 2001/08/21 : CIA-RDP86T00608R000700100001-4 Spratly Islands 110 its 6 'sI E tl -=1 /Palawan Fnrndsh p Shoal SOUTH CH IN A SEA Northeast Cay r' I'ti .(7.r~.,?,i Southwest Cay ;,? 7 Thitu Island? k , West York Island loaita island 4(4r Flat Island 4gN Nanshan Island flu ACa Island Sand Cay *Namyit Island and Rcrl s Sin Cowe Island SPRATLY ISLANDS (NAN-SHA CH'UN TAO) Spratly. (DAO TRUONG SA) i Island { Lpd Shoal. f. ~--- -~ IN DON ES IA so too noulicel "Vies t1o too teo luw ? . .:r Approved For Release 200108/21 : CIA-RDP86T00608R000700100001-4 AppFr.oved-for?ReieaseW -H06/2,1 ':?C+A'-RDP?86-TQO6a8RO raoC r.ri,'i~c~ TO RD'.GN N,\ !3NALS Discussion Peking clearly considers the Spratlys its ter- ritory, 1,,2t probably recognizes that, for the moment, the ROC presence satisfactorily protects the interests and claims of both Chinas. If the PRC attempted to establish its own presence, it would only marginally advance its claims of sovereignty and would run the risk of embroiling itself in a military confrontation with the Vietnamese, Philippine, and Nationalist garrison-Z- posted there. At minimum, protest from the other claimants would be vociferous. Peking probably could expect more complicated relations with Vietnam and some loss of influence. Recent improvements in Sino-Philippine relations also would be jeopardized. Under such circumstances, the PRC probably is willing to negotiate the question of sovereignty and, for the present, is content to observe the status quo. Nevertheless, if one of the claimants, most likely Vietnam, attempted or threatened to resolve the question of sovereignty by force, the PRC might be provoked to intervene. Peking may possess the military capability to seze the Spratlys by force. Only the Vietnamese would be able to mount a Approved- For Release- 2001 /08/21 ':'CIA-RDP86TO0608R000-700100001-4 Approved For Release 2001/08/21 : CIA-RDP86T00608R000700100001-4 i I ~._LEAS.~ELE TO FO; ZiGN NATIONALS The PRC navy is capable of directly attacking any of the islands. All are basically flat, without defensive positions, and are highly vulnerable to shore bombardment. Moreover, no other navy, alone could successfully challenge the PRC, if it deployed its missile-equipped surface ships. Putting troops on the Spratlys, however, would be more difficult because in many instances only small boats and rubber rafts could be used. The 300-500 Nationalist soldiers on Itu Aba and the Vietnamese garrisons could be expected to put up a much stiffer resistance than that-which the Chinese encountered in the Paracels. The decisive factor for the PRC would be the amount of air power the Vietnamese would be willing to commit. Only the PRC's medium jet bombers and light jet reconnaissance aircraft have the range to operate over the Spratlys. But its'forces would be operating with essentially no air cover making it unlikely that bombers would be used. If the Vietnamese mounted concentrated and repeated air attacks, Peking probably would be forced to withdraw. If air attacks were sporadic--an unlikely possibility--then the PRC navy would have a reasonable chance of defending itself. It any event, before establishing a military presence in the Spratlys, the PRC probably would take preparatory 12 - r.=Lt.,,:,?1,-3Lc TO Approved For Release 2000tp:81211 i Cbl%66T00608R000700100001-4 Approved For Release 2001/08/21 : CIA-RDP86T006Q8R000700100001-4 steps to minimize the risks to its naval force, which hitherto has performed little more than a coastal defense mission. Such steps might include extensive surveying and charting of the archipelago, additional training of. main surface force units in shore bombardment and in long- range navigation. Rehearsals also would be desirable for coordinating amphibious assaults--duplicating as closely as possible the beach and offshore conditions to be en- countered. Except for limited amphibious training, which probably is normal military training not directly related, there has been no evidence that the PRC is preparing for operations in the Spratlys. EGRET Approved For Release 2001/08/21 : CIA-RDP86T00608R00070i11'W001-4 Approved For Release 2001/08/21 : CIA-RDP86T00608R000700100001-4 NOT p =i '-j\Sr'~'Sl'~ J FO~c',GN N1.T1O, iALS Offshore Islands PRC Military Capabilities: Likelihood of Initiating Military Action: doubtful Opposing Forces: Ground Air 400,000 (from coastal MRs if required) 1750 fighters 240 bombers 80,000 250 fighters 2 DDGSs 3 DDGs Navy 23 submarines 12 DDs 70 fast guided 3 DEs missiles boats 3 PCEs 1 Luta DDGS 10 PFs 1 Kiangtund DEG 6 PTCs 1 Kiangnan DE 22 MSs 11 patrol 28 Amphibious Ships frigates 300 PTs, and motor gunboats 3 motor transport boats Background The Offshore Islands, controlled by the ROC, consist of four island groups. Only two of these--Quemoy (Chin-men) and Ma-tsu--are defended in strength. The island of Guemoy, which commands the entrance to Amoy harbor, has been made into a nearly impregnable fortress. The two smaller island groups, Wu-chiu and Tung-yin, are included in the Ma-tsu Defense Command, 14 - Approved For Release 2001/08/21: CIA-RDP86T00608R000700100001-4 lrnns'T 25X6 Approved For Release 2001/08/21 : CIA-RDP86T00608R000700100001-4 Republic of China Mdnfnal admn'haMe boundary 0 Mh.nal admRRahah.e capital -~--~.w Radvoad Road Philippine Sea Lit ra., ?- Mnf Nlffl7an?L? ?II.Ft?...a.lv1 Approved For Release 200T/0 /21 : CIA-RDP86T00608R000780100001-4 1f;, 1 l ~.._I ~U.~nq ~.tn run P'n /an #JI PP. Aon fang rte v- I t'tltu rac East C h i in a Approved For Release 2001/08/21 : CIA-RDP86T00608R000700100001-4 +~rC ~irw._~+..JU.w.wr..t.3 ~~~.d~...uu.w - -.Nwra4...4.w ..-..-.1:........r....~rr~~/. .u~.4~i .1..:.au.. .... .._.'.)r?:.I Fit~1: ..1..1..A'~~. it::.c~ ;'..h:4.'.It,: e..:.:. .