Implications of China's Aircraft Carrier Development
Abstract
The PRC s first aircraft carrier, the ex-Varyag, conducted its sea trial in August 2011 and attracted global attention. Some people argued that a single aircraft carrier could not have much significant influence on the Asian region or the world at large. However, if we look at this development from the perspective of the Republic of China in Taiwan (ROC), we can see that the ex-Varyag is not just a power projection platform for the People s Liberation Army (PLA). The deployment implies the political, national and the military ambition and plan of the People s Republic of China. The South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait are the focus of the regional conflict due to territory and political disputes. The deployments of the ex-Varyag will significantly change the military balance in the region and challenge US interests. Although the ex-Varyag still needs more time to fully equip, U.S. allied countries should prepare to understand this challenge. As the ancient Chinese strategist Sun Tzu said; strategy and diplomacy are better than the military resolution. We should use diplomatic, informational, military and economic (DIME) means to reach a comprehensive approach for this issue.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 16, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA561596
Entities
People
- Yu-chin Lee
Organizations
- United States Army War College