Beware of Chinese Carrier Conceit

A jet fighter takes off from China's Shandong aircraft carrier, south of Okinawa prefecture, Japan, on April 10, 2023. Joint Staff Office of the Defense Ministry of Japan/Handout via Reuters

Commentary

The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is learning how to deploy its conventionally powered aircraft carriers for political intimidation and potential combat missions. While they don’t match the capabilities of larger and better-armed U.S. Navy nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, it’s a mistake to diminish their potential threat.