Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image! http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/jun/09/china-aircraft-carrier Does China even have carrier-usable aircraft?
Yes. Home-built variants of Su-27/ 33 (the J-15). And note that this is the first carrier that they built. They have previously bought, although not operated AFAIK, others.
It doesn't need to look impressive. If the other nation lacks a modern airforce, then a carrier in front of its coast is the ultimate persuader. The perfect bully. Why do you think the USA stays on top?
The ultimate persuader to forge a closer political/military alliance with an outside power who has more, bigger, badder aircraft carriers, sure. To be a bully requires not only being more powerful than your target, but also an absence of even-more-powerful bullies who will take the occasion of your bullying to turn the tables on you.
You're right - China's supremacy will probably come to pass, but in my case, I will be - dead... Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!
The Chinese aren't really building it. They're just refurbishing Soviet junk. But carriers are the most effective weapon in a navy's arsenal. Why else were all of our carriers suspiciously missing from Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941. Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!
Magic hover-carriers? Designed by the lizard people to help the international banker conspiracy? Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!