Lankan Ranger
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An optimal aircraft carrier strategy of China
The recent war of words surrounding the deployment of the US aircraft carrier George Washington close to China's waters has once again sparked debate on the symbolic and practical significance of the large naval vessel.
How would an aircraft carrier change the dynamics of China's rise and how would it affect the regional geopolitical landscape? The outcome depends on China's overall aircraft carrier strategy.
An aircraft carrier is a crucial element of a modern naval force. Currently there are 22 aircraft carriers in active service in nine countries. China is the only UN Security Council permanent member that does not have an aircraft carrier.
The public strongly desires an aircraft carrier because of the prestige associated with one, the power it projects to the rest of the world and the sense of defensive security it provides.
There is a lot of speculation about China's aircraft carrier plan.
Given a carrier's incredible size, it could be wrongly perceived as Chinese military assertiveness, and may create unnecessary tension.
In the South China Sea, for example, where tensions occasionally spill over, an aircraft carrier might help China achieve victory in small-scale clashes in disputed waters. However, the win might turn a relatively small dispute into long running hostility that destabilizes bilateral relationships.
But on the high seas, an aircraft carrier could be an effective tool to maintain order, and it could win China respect from neighboring countries.
The number of the aircraft carriers China hopes to posses should also be well pondered. Too small a fleet and it may be ineffective, but an oversized fleet will eat up too much of the defense budget.
The best deployment of an aircraft carrier would be for effective deterrence and to strengthen China's military power. A carrier could also provide a platform to launch industrial and technological upgrades.
Domestically there is also opposition against building or acquiring aircraft carriers given the enormous cost and maintenance difficulties.
There has been some support internationally for China's ambition of aircraft carriers, as the Chinese navy would assume a bigger role on the world stage.
The Chinese government has kept tacit over its aircraft carrier strategy, though many signs suggest that they are elements that would make the Chinese navy complete.
A sound aircraft carrier strategy should be put in place to optimize its future functions.
An optimal aircraft carrier strategy - GlobalTimes
The recent war of words surrounding the deployment of the US aircraft carrier George Washington close to China's waters has once again sparked debate on the symbolic and practical significance of the large naval vessel.
How would an aircraft carrier change the dynamics of China's rise and how would it affect the regional geopolitical landscape? The outcome depends on China's overall aircraft carrier strategy.
An aircraft carrier is a crucial element of a modern naval force. Currently there are 22 aircraft carriers in active service in nine countries. China is the only UN Security Council permanent member that does not have an aircraft carrier.
The public strongly desires an aircraft carrier because of the prestige associated with one, the power it projects to the rest of the world and the sense of defensive security it provides.
There is a lot of speculation about China's aircraft carrier plan.
Given a carrier's incredible size, it could be wrongly perceived as Chinese military assertiveness, and may create unnecessary tension.
In the South China Sea, for example, where tensions occasionally spill over, an aircraft carrier might help China achieve victory in small-scale clashes in disputed waters. However, the win might turn a relatively small dispute into long running hostility that destabilizes bilateral relationships.
But on the high seas, an aircraft carrier could be an effective tool to maintain order, and it could win China respect from neighboring countries.
The number of the aircraft carriers China hopes to posses should also be well pondered. Too small a fleet and it may be ineffective, but an oversized fleet will eat up too much of the defense budget.
The best deployment of an aircraft carrier would be for effective deterrence and to strengthen China's military power. A carrier could also provide a platform to launch industrial and technological upgrades.
Domestically there is also opposition against building or acquiring aircraft carriers given the enormous cost and maintenance difficulties.
There has been some support internationally for China's ambition of aircraft carriers, as the Chinese navy would assume a bigger role on the world stage.
The Chinese government has kept tacit over its aircraft carrier strategy, though many signs suggest that they are elements that would make the Chinese navy complete.
A sound aircraft carrier strategy should be put in place to optimize its future functions.
An optimal aircraft carrier strategy - GlobalTimes
