ASSESSMENTS

China's Navy Prepares to Close the Gap on the U.S.

May 11, 2018 | 09:00 GMT

This photo taken on April 18 shows China's sole operational aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, during a drill at sea.

China's only operational aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, is set to be joined by a second carrier -- and the first produced entirely domestically -- after its upcoming sea trials are complete.

(AFP/Getty Images)

Highlights

  • Barring significant internal strife, an economic collapse or a major war, China's navy will continue its significant rise in the decades to come and continue to close the gap on its U.S. counterpart.
  • By 2030, the Chinese will likely be the dominant naval force in a line stretching up to the Philippines, and will have a further zone of advantage out into the Pacific Ocean.
  • The U.S. Navy, on the other hand, will largely remain paramount on the rest of the world's oceans and seas.

All fitted out, China's second-ever aircraft carrier – and the first built entirely in China – is set to sail for sea trials. The construction of the aircraft carrier represents a significant milestone in China’s steady rise as a major naval power. And barring any hiccups, Beijing will continue its ascent in the following decade to the degree that it challenges the United States for naval supremacy – at least in East Asia....

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