China Expands Its Naval Power With New Aircraft Carrier
The power of China's naval force has taken a significant leap forward with the commissioning of a new aircraft carrier. This latest addition to the fleet, named Fujian, is a symbol of China's ambition to extend its influence beyond its own waters.
The Fujian is China's third aircraft carrier, but more importantly, it's the first one that the country has designed and built itself. This is seen as a major milestone in China's grand military expansion strategy, which aims to build a "world-class" force that can compete with the likes of the United States by the middle of the century.
Closing the Gap with U.S. Naval Power
The commissioning of the Fujian is another step in China's ongoing mission to close the gap with the U.S. Navy. The United States has a vast network of bases around the world that allows it to maintain a strong military presence, and China's leadership sees carriers like the Fujian as crucial for their own vision of a 'blue-water navy' capable of projecting power far from home.
China's naval ambitions aren't confined to the nearby waters of the South China Sea, East China Sea, and Yellow Sea. The country also seeks to assert control in the wider Pacific, particularly in areas where the U.S. has major military facilities.
Increasing Global Influence
China's growing military capabilities and its ability to project power on a global scale have been recognized by the Pentagon, who view China as the only competitor capable of reshaping the international order. It is within China's rights to develop a navy that reflects its national strength, and this includes the need for its aircraft carriers to operate in far-off oceans and undertake a wide range of training and support missions. This global presence is imperative considering China's extensive overseas interests.
However, the rapid and extensive strengthening of China's military power has raised concerns in neighboring countries such as Japan. It is believed that China's military is aiming to advance its operational capabilities at sea and in the air, a development that other nations are watching closely and are prepared to respond to if necessary.
The Threat to Taiwan
One potential scenario that has foreign capitals concerned is a possible Chinese invasion of Taiwan, a democratically self-governed island that China considers its own territory. If China were able to position an aircraft carrier group in the Pacific region between Taiwan and Hawaii, it could potentially hamper American military assistance in the event of an attack on Taiwan.
Fujian's Advanced Capabilities
The Fujian represents a significant technological advancement for China's navy. Unlike its older carriers, the Fujian utilizes an electromagnetic launch system, a feature only found on the latest U.S. Navy Ford-class carriers. This system allows for more precise speed control and can launch a wider range of aircraft. As a result, China now has the ability to launch heavier aircraft, like the KJ-600 early warning and control plane, from this carrier. Additionally, the Fujian can operate its most advanced aircraft far afield, including the Second Island Chain.
Challenges Remain for China's Navy
Despite these advancements, China's navy still lags behind the U.S. in several key areas. The U.S. Navy operates 11 carriers compared to China's three, and all U.S. carriers are nuclear-powered, allowing them to operate almost indefinitely without refueling. China also falls behind in terms of guided missile cruisers and destroyers, as well as nuclear-powered submarines.
Furthermore, unlike the U.S., China lacks a network of overseas bases, which are critical for resupplying carriers and providing alternative runways if aircraft cannot return safely to the carrier. However, China is actively working to expand its foreign bases and develop a nuclear propulsion system for its carriers.
Despite these challenges, China is steadily closing the gap. It's investing in more aircraft carriers, nuclear-powered submarines, and larger destroyers that can carry more missiles. China is also reportedly building another carrier, demonstrating the country's capability to construct multiple vessels simultaneously.
China's Newest Military Assets
China is not shy about showcasing its latest military assets. Videos of test flights from the Fujian, featuring the KJ-600, J-35, and J-15T aircraft, have been proudly released. These new assets, along with hypersonic glide vehicles, aerial and underwater drones, and electronic warfare systems, were all on display at a recent World War II Victory Day parade.
However, the acquisition of sophisticated equipment doesn't necessarily equate to military readiness. Some experts caution that China's actual operational readiness may lag behind its showcased arsenal. Furthermore, it would be a mistake to interpret China's military modernization as solely geared towards a potential invasion of Taiwan. Instead, it should be seen as part of a broader strategic intent to deter major powers, pressure regional actors, expand its global influence, and reinforce its domestic legitimacy.