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Why Does China Keep Building Aircraft Carriers?
Can They Actually Be Used?
Why are aircraft carriers "money-eating monsters"?
Why is China so committed to building them?
Recently, rumors and design plans for China's fifth aircraft carrier, the "CV-20," have been making waves online, sparking a flurry of heated discussions. While the public's focus is on the new ship, there's a bigger question at hand: Why does China keep building aircraft carriers one after another? What strategic considerations are behind this commitment?
Before we dive in, let's be clear: China isn't building carriers to compete for the coolest "big toy" or to pursue some kind of naval supremacy. China has always maintained a policy of supporting global technological development and advocating for world peace and security. So, why the relentless focus on aircraft carriers? Let's analyze this from a few key perspectives.
What Exactly Is an Aircraft Carrier?
An aircraft carrier is no ordinary vessel; simply put, it's a mobile airport at sea. However, the cost of this "airport" is staggering. A single U.S. Ford-class carrier costs over $13 billion to build, and that's not even counting the billions in annual operating costs. Why is it so expensive? An aircraft carrier is an incredibly complex system, packed with advanced equipment and precision instruments. From aircraft launch and recovery systems to communication and command systems, every component requires a massive investment. Moreover, a carrier never travels alone; it needs an entire escort fleet of destroyers, frigates, and submarines, which adds another huge layer of expense.
In China's case, while the Fujian carrier uses conventional power, its cost is still high. The expenditure for the nuclear-powered Type 004 will be even more astronomical. Some might ask, with such a heavy price tag, why does China continue to pour money into them? The answer lies in China's evolving international situation and its own development needs.
Previously, China's security concerns were primarily land-based, such as border disputes with India and instability in Central Asia. However, in the 21st century, the situation has changed. China's economy has grown rapidly, and its overseas interests have expanded, shifting its risks from land borders to maritime trade routes. South China Sea disputes, oil supply lines in the Middle East, ports invested in Africa, supply