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While the United States was wrapping up its Valiant Shield 2022 exercise on 17 June, China launched its third aircraft carrier with all the fanfare. The launch was postponed twice due to logistical and technical issues. The aircraft carrier has been named Fujian with the hull number 18. It has been under construction at the world’s largest commercial shipbuilder, Jiangnan Shipyard, Shanghai, since 2018, though the initial work started in 2015.
The name Fujian shows the intent of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). Fujian is the closest Chinese province to Taiwan, separated by the Taiwan Strait. It is the third Chinese aircraft carrier since China jumped into the fray in 2012. Once fully operational, Fujian would surely enhance Chinese capacity, but would it improve the capabilities? With three carrier strike groups (CSG), would PLAN challenge all the U.S. CSG in the Indo-Pacific? How is this going to affect India?
My (@InsightGL) latest article on a very relevant but troublesome topic of Chinese hegemony, arsenal buildup and warmongering, on India’s leading think-tank organization “Chanakya Forum”:
I heard that 3 PLAN ships were sailing around Japan this past week in another display of maneuvering.
Very true 👍
Force projection has been a historical problem for the Chinese, on land and sea. It is very complex, and the strategic problems cannot be solved with central planning. I see the Fujian and the other two carriers as a great opportunity to lose face—I suspect so do they, but they will continue to threaten. I think the Chinese term is ‘Paper Tiger’. If India keeps alert and trusts capable commanders. Land based planes and missiles outrange the Chinese naval craft. The Indian Ocean will remain Indian.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts.
These are strictly for show. If the Chinese believe they can sink American carriers, they must know these ships wouldn’t last two seconds in actual combat..
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts.
💎 – Diamond Hard – 💎
💎 The Purpose of War is Shrouded in Mystery; it’s interesting that Many Military 🪖 Commanders share The Common Quality of Mental Instability
💎 – Diamond Hard – 💎
…💎💎💎…
Thank you for stopping by.
Agree with comments that it is “play for the gallery” and not breaking turning points – just as other forms of military demonstrations / parades have been for those in power throughout the ages. The Soviets now Russia have always done it (not thinking of the war here). China has always done it. North Korea has always done it. Trump would have liked to have it reintroduced in the United States. It is mostly marketing and propoganda in the class of autocratic rulers to impress their friends / enemies and not least for citizens without influence in the countries. Can be booked as simple advertising and as all knows that marketing costs.
Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.