India highlighted this when the did a force projection 2600 mile away to capture a pirated ship and take prisoner 35 pirates. While the Chinese could have set only 4 frigates, at best, but due to lack of refueling would never have made it that far.
China vs. India: Chinese Knock-Offs Can’t Hold Up
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYnsyVSP_lY
Sep 22, 2024 #chinaobserver
China’s escort missions have traditionally been low-key and thrifty. Deploying a large fleet for a few dozen pirates is not the CCP’s style, so sending out one or two frigates is already considered a “big deal.” However, relying solely on frigates to patrol vast ocean areas can be inefficient.
Without aerial reconnaissance, locating a commercial ship that isn’t broadcasting an identifier becomes a difficult task. Ship-borne helicopters can assist, but their limited range often restricts their effectiveness.
While China has criticized India’s approach as “using a sledgehammer to crack a nut,” in situations that require more robust support, China’s more restrained strategy may face challenges in delivering effective results.
Indian media mocks China’s “dumpling-making” shipbuilding spree. They criticize China for not deploying these ships when needed. This criticism points out a key issue. No matter how many ships one has, if they are not used in critical moments, they become mere ornaments.
The retired Vice Commander of the Indian Navy’s Southern Command said it clearly. India’s operation was a signal to China: “See how we can deploy such a large-scale military force in the Indian Ocean. This is our backyard.”
For lack of ships that can be deployed and supported at oceanic distances in a future conflict, China cannot keep the US Navy from sweeping the seas clean of Chinese commerce. Thus, if China tries to blockade or capture Taiwan, the US can shut down Chinese maritime trade with the rest of the world.