The Gulf War woke China up because it made China aware of the cruelty and complexity of modern warfare, and at the same time made China aware of its own military and technological shortcomings and backwardness.
First, the Gulf War made China aware of the brutality and complexity of modern warfare. During the Gulf War, the US-led multinational coalition used high-tech and modern combat systems to carry out large-scale air and ground attacks on Iraq, and carried out precision strikes and sabotage of Iraq's defense forces and unprecedented modern offensive means. This war has made China realize that modern warfare is no longer a simple infantry duel, but a complex war involving many fields such as high-tech, information-based combat systems, and precision guidance. In such a war, it is difficult to achieve victory without advanced military technology and equipment.
Second, the Gulf War made China aware of its own military and technological shortcomings and backwardness. In the Gulf War, the US-led multinational coalition used a large number of high-tech and information-based combat systems, such as fighter planes, satellite reconnaissance, and precision guidance. At that time, China's military technology and equipment were relatively backward, and it was difficult to match the requirements of modern warfare. This has made China begin to realize its own shortcomings and backwardness in military and science and technology, and it needs to strengthen independent research and development and innovation to improve its own scientific and technological strength and military strength.
In addition, the Gulf War also made China aware of its position and influence in international affairs. In the Gulf War, the US-led multinational coalition carried out large-scale air and ground attacks on Iraq, bringing great destruction and personnel to Iraq. The war has attracted widespread attention and condemnation from the international community, and at the same time, it has also highlighted the status and influence of the United States in international affairs. This has made China begin to realize that its position and influence in international affairs also need to be strengthened and improved.
To sum up, the Gulf War reminded China of the cruelty and complexity of modern warfare, and at the same time made China aware of its own inadequacy and backwardness in military and scientific and technological aspects, as well as its own status and influence in international affairs, which also needed to be strengthened and improved. Against this backdrop, China has begun to strengthen its independent R&D and innovation, improve its scientific and technological strength and military strength, and at the same time actively participate in international affairs to enhance its influence and status. These efforts have laid a solid foundation for China's modernization drive and the enhancement of its international status.