21-01-2011, 06:14 PM
David Guyatt Wrote:I agree Pete, China is not ready to go international. Not yet. But they are, I think, planning to become a super-power.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Future_Chin...ft_carrier
[Since 1985, China has acquired four retired aircraft carriers for study: the Australian HMAS Melbourne and the ex-Soviet carriers Minsk, Kiev and Varyag. Reports state that two 50,000-60,000 ton aircraft carriers are due to be finished by 2015.[1] Sukhoi Su-33s (navalized Flankers) are the aircraft most likely to be flown from these carriers.[4]
And
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aircraft_carrier#China
Quote:China[/QUOTE]
Varyag under tow in Istanbul
China bought the unfinished Soviet aircraft carrier Varyag in 2001 from Ukraine, supposedly to turn it into a floating casino. Pictures taken while in port suggest this plan has been abandoned and show that work is being carried out to maintain its military function. There is no conclusive evidence as to what role it would play in the Chinese Navy.
In late December 2008 and early January 2009, there were multiple reports of China building two conventionally powered aircraft carriers displacing 50,00060,000 tonnes, possibly to be launched in 2015. In December 2010 China's State Oceanic Administration announced that this vessel would be finished one year earlier, in 2014. A nuclear powered carrier is planned for launch around 2020.[9]
According to James Nolt, senior fellow at the World Policy Institute in New York, it might take China many years to develop the technology, training, and operational capability necessary for an effective carrier.[10]
An aircraft carrier fleet would signal something a 'bit' different....but I think current thinking [as I see it from way, way outside] is that China can 'conquer' what others would need military force to accomplish, simply with economic clout....less messy, for sure.
If you don't like Chinese food...best to start getting used to it!
"Let me issue and control a nation's money and I care not who writes the laws. - Mayer Rothschild
"Civil disobedience is not our problem. Our problem is civil obedience! People are obedient in the face of poverty, starvation, stupidity, war, and cruelty. Our problem is that grand thieves are running the country. That's our problem!" - Howard Zinn
"If there is no struggle there is no progress. Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and never will" - Frederick Douglass
"Civil disobedience is not our problem. Our problem is civil obedience! People are obedient in the face of poverty, starvation, stupidity, war, and cruelty. Our problem is that grand thieves are running the country. That's our problem!" - Howard Zinn
"If there is no struggle there is no progress. Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and never will" - Frederick Douglass