[s_asher]

Here's an interesting site I found on the Varyag Carrier:
http://www.varyagworld.com/

From the photos it looks pretty rusted. I think if the Chinese can't make money off it (another floating casino?), they'd chop it up for study.

For the Chinese to field a carrier in any conflict against Taiwan or the US, is like floating a big "SHOOT ME" target at sea. I doubt they're that stupid.

[Jeff Head]

Under the umbrella of significant land based air, and positioned outside the straits in the China Sea where they could influence the outcome but still protect their carrier...it would significantly increase the difficulty for our own forces.

No...they are not stupid...but they are also bent on control in the area and they are building a force to challenge our own. I believe within five to ten years, perhaps sooner if they do any kind of refit, they will have carriers in the area.