So exactly who was on the plane?

I don't think its too far-fetched to think that perhaps it was hijacked, landed in a secure undisclosed location, and the passengers held for ransom and/or "enhanced interrogation techniques" to get valuable information.

Don't think that China is somehow morally and ethically above such an operation. It is certainly capable.

On equipment: You get what you inspect, not what you expect.
On training: Our drills are bloodless battles so that our battles are bloody drills.
On tactics: Cheating just means you're serious about winning.