Summary
Satellite images suggest China is developing a massive nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, potentially matching the size and capabilities of U.S. supercarriers, analysts told NBC News.
The ship, possibly the Type 004, appears to feature four electromagnetic catapults for launching fighter jets, a design shift from China’s current fleet.
Experts say this move aligns with China’s goal of building a “blue-water navy” to rival the U.S.
While Beijing has not confirmed the project, U.S. officials view China’s military expansion as a strategic challenge in the Indo-Pacific.
It doesn’t matter at this point. US hard power is largely worthless with US soft power wrecked.
The hard power will be the next thing to go. Trump and his buddies are trying to make the US into Russia, and that comes with all the problems that rotted the Russian military from within. We already have plenty of corruption, but our generals have enough integrity to put their foot down when something might impact combat readyness. Trump’s loyalist buddies care only about the grift.
It matters to pirates. China isn’t worried about a war with the US. Let’s face it the US is gone in a decade at most.
China is worried about transporting goods over sea from their belt and road allies using routes that pass by nations famous for naval piracy… Something currently kept in check by us patrols. If the US does start divesting one way or another from its navy, nations will need to guard their own ships from piracy, and that’s China’s clear goal with their entire naval forces.
It’s still worth something in the Middle East, just in case they want to give out “freedom” again.