[Atlantic Bridge]

They have been talking about the mythical Chinese aircraft carrier for years now. Anything they build will be a joke. A lot of fun to watch and a nice target for our SSNs, but not a threat. Chances are it will be a variation of the Gorshkov design India has bought from Russia. Silly thing.

Maybe now. But what will be in 10 years? Besides - it is nothing new that the Chinese bought enough Russian Kilos with high-end European technology to blow all US-carriers out of the street of Taiwan. Their firepower is growing in a frightening speed. It could be the the pure masses of the Peoples Army that give them the weight and firepower to deal with everything in the far east. Including the US navy.

[carumba]

... It could be the the pure masses of the Peoples Army that give them the weight and firepower to deal with everything in the far east. Including the US navy.

The navy does not depend on masses of armed men. You need a fleet. In order to invade Taiwan they need shipping and airborne to reach the distant shores. It would be cheaper to convince Taiwan to petition for annexation rather than forcing the issue. And that is communism's problem. Nobody gets in an inner tube and paddles like crazy to get to a communist country.

[Little Ray]

Just a thought - in ten years the CVN may be obsolete, replaced by subs launching UAVs. If'n I were the PLAN, I would concentrate on next-generation technology, not "catch-up" technology.