China’s naval capabilities will expand

Significance

Following reports of a sunken submarine, the carrier deployment signals Beijing's progress and ambitions in carrier capability. The newest, largest and potentially most capable of the vessels, the Fujian, is still in sea trials, but its operational debut promises to herald a step change in PLAN carrier capability.

Impacts

• PLAN operations will increasingly focus on carrier-centred task group deployments, including enhanced blue-water power projection.
• Carrier-related operations will consume an increasing proportion of PLAN resources.
• Pressure will grow on the United States to maintain a credible carrier presence in the western Pacific for deterrent purposes.
• The United States and its allies will strive towards more integrated and co-operative carrier deployments to maintain global presence.