[sukhoi-30mki]

Japan doesn’t have a navy, it has a SELF-defence force!!

Judging its calibre depends on what you mean by offensive capabilities. While they don’t have land attack systems, their surface ships and diesel-electric subs are arguably among the best in the world and can take a heavy toll on the Chinese surface and aerial fleet. And unless you are talking of a budget which matches that of the US Navy, a carrier or two will not make a significant difference against China.

[DTogo]

Yes, please refer to Article 9 of Japan's post-war Constitution.

[Old Teufel Hunden]

"And unless you are talking of a budget which matches that of the US Navy, a carrier or two will not make a significant difference against China."

No but it will make a difference in conjunction with the partnership between us, Japan and South Korea for all three to have strong offensively capable navies with aircraft carriers to check China. Just in case they get any wandering eyes towards Taiwan or other imperialistic ideas.