A number of U.S. commentators have raised alarms over China’s rapid construction of naval military vessels — and about China’s supposed ability to outproduce the United States in any long, protracted conflict. Recently, China unveiled a new aircraft supercarrier named the Fujian. These developments coincide with increasingly aggressive Chinese naval behavior.
Straight Arrow News contributor Peter Zeihan talks down some of the hype surrounding China’s growing naval power, and reassures Americans that they have nothing to worry about when it comes to these new Chinese vessels.
Below is an edited excerpt from Peter’s May 6 “Zeihan on Geopolitics” newsletter:
The newest Chinese aircraft carrier, the Fujian, has officially hit the seas. This a major development for the Chinese Navy, but still falls short when compared to advanced counterparts (i.e. the U.S.).
The Fujian is intended to be a test bed, meaning the Chinese will throw all of their tech onto it and see what works. Which means we’re still a ways out from seeing an actual combat vessel hit the water.
Despite all the “advancements” we’re seeing on the Fujian, the Chinese still opted out of the nuclear power option. So with a limited range and no intention of ever seeing combat, the Fujian doesn’t drastically alter my forecast for China’s naval capabilities.