[SauronOfMordor]

This carrier is small, real small like an escort carrier. It cannot put many jets up in a short time and recover them. The jets are not fuel sufficient for long range at sea interdiction. That means turning into the wind for traps often. Where do the aerial refuelers come from?

They might be useful to extend the reach of China a bit further into the ocean. Launch carrier-capable planes from land, have them hit targets outside their round-trip range, and land on the carrier for fueling and re-arming.

How many aircraft could that carrier keep in the air if they were not initially based on the carrier?

[Tallguy]

My personal opinion is that the Varyag is there to provide defensive air cover & airborne ASW coverage for the CG's & DDG's and that's about it. Her offensive capabilities are marginal.