We have seen it already, a month ago. But there is no reason to go to the Indian ocean for the time being.
CV-16 Liaoning (001 carrier) Thread II ...News, Views and operations
- Thread starter Jeff Head
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They have to cross the Indian ocean on their way to Africa.
Sure but when will be an opportunity to go to Africa? That will still take years.
why can't PLAN just go on a voyage to Africa or beyond to practice its carrier sailing and operational capabilities. PLAN doesn't need any permission for that . They can't go on a mission in the future ill prepared if they don't do these sort of practice now.
Why Africa or beyond? Their main focus is to have access and patrol inbetween the island chains and the east pacific. Gulf of Aden already has the presence of rotating flotillas, any prospect of a carrier stationing there is still a very long term ambition.
How many big ports which can host such a big vessel are there on African east coast? I never thought about that as I haven't heard about too many visits paid by aircraft carriers there recently. Maybe someone will know the answer?
Is there really a need to put an aircraft carrier to combat pirates in small boats? I mean I would love if every square inch of the world was covered by aircraft carriers, but isn't it kind of an overkill?
While there is not any need for a carrier to combat pirates, there is a need for a carrier to maintain a presence where the oil is. That is almost certainly a long term ambition of the PLAN.
I also think that the indian ocean is a natural place for China to operate one of its carriers to protect its SLOC to the oil of the middle east and european markets.
The question is how this can be arranged without causing to many diplomatic problems with India.
I would really love if the relationship between the two countries were good enough for their carriers to join for exercises.
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