In an actual conflict against superpowers, the aircraft carrier alone is of limited utility as an offensive asset. The planes on the carrier are nothing special. The F-18 is slow, clumsy and has a low flight ceiling.
However, the carrier can deploy planes in the middle of an ocean and provide air support to far away amphibious operations. This means it is great for bullying small countries like Iraq, Afghanistan and Vietnam.
Afghanistan is a landlocked and highly mountainous region, which is why supplies string in from Pakistan... I expect a Chinaman to know that air raids aren't effective on ridges, as it is the only thing CCP understand. Think Long March.
PS: The F/A-18/E/Fs are more advanced, numerous and experienced than any Chinese fighter jet in service. The US doesn't even need to deploy F-22s for air superiority against China, lol. It's quiet humerous how you guys dismiss ACs as "nothing special." Think Taiwan and 1996.
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