What is behind China's naval ambitions? | Project Force

The Chinese navy, or the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy), now has two fully-functioning aircraft carriers, the Soviet-era Liaoning and the new, domestically-built Shandong.

While seriously enhancing China's ability to project combat power beyond its own coastline, they are also being used to train cadres of naval officers and pilots in the complex business of efficiently running aircraft carrier groups.

Rapidly developing this body of expertise is no easy feat but President Xi Jinping has big plans. Apart from the two already in service, two more aircraft carriers are being designed and built. Larger and able to carry more aircraft, they will have the means to launch heavier planes and to see and attack targets further away.

These "big ticket" defence items draw the bulk of Western attention and serve to boost a sense of Chinese national might but equally important, and often missed, is the development of the PLA Navy's amphibious capabilities.

China's marine corps is being increased from 20,000 to 100,000 troops and personnel are being trained for a variety of missions. Meanwhile, new large amphibious assault ships will protect marines when landing on hostile shores, and provide a mobile command centre for coordination and support, a vital component in any expeditionary force.
As China expands its economic influence on other continents, it wants soldiers able to project combat power and protect its interests. The marines will be that force - well-equipped and gaining operational experience as they deploy overseas.

Add to that the PLA Navy's underwater drone submarines, new carrier-based stealth aircraft in development, air-to-air refuelling for its expanded naval aircraft fleet and missile systems specifically designed to sink and destroy enemy aircraft carriers. All this, combined with better, more-realistic training, have served to make the Chinese navy increasingly potent.

China, like many countries, wants to protect its interests and ensure that no other country has a stranglehold on its trade routes. As its economy has expanded, so too has its determination to protect vital sea lanes and Chinese investments overseas. But what has China's neighbours worried is the rapidity of its encroachment into other spheres of influence, both regional and beyond. So, what is going on?


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[LoCC]

When China looks outside of China they see their whole coastline doted with US Military bases. On the other side of the country they are also surrounded by US Military bases.

[NegativEgale]

When you have 1 aircraft carrier, you are a regional threat
When you have 3 aircraft carriers, you are a global threat
When you have 5 aircraft carriers, you are a regional peacekeeper
When you have 10 aircraft carriers, you are a global peacekeeper

It’s that simple

[jonathanluisjuan]

US does the same. The US bullies and say it's to protect their interest 😂. China should protect themselves.

[Mike-btki]

USA: 700+ overseas military bases
China: Has officially 1, but maybe another 5 if you include those islands they built in the South China Sea

[youngzo]

Reason? Newton’s third law. For every action, there will be an equal and opposite action

Just imagine if Chinese warships constantly sailed along the coast of the US while denouncing/interfering with US internal affairs

[twenlil]

You know that this is purely US propaganda when he uses the term "Indo-Pacific".

[suhailahmed]

You guys are talking about China’s naval ambition...then i guess you Don't have any idea about the naval empire US built in the whole world.. Us have at least hundreds of naval base in this world.. 😏

[powerrising]

One question:which country all over the world has started the most wars since World War II ?
Answer:🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[jonasannor]

Can you say the same about USA dominance in the middle east?

[beesplaining]

The US has 250 military bases surrounding China (according to the US Department of Defence Statistics) but China is the scary regional superpower?

[kylexu]

I feel like the US is kind that one guy that cares about everyone in the school's relationships.

[drkfung]

I think you should compared the us military presence in Asia, then you can understand why China is building up their military.

[capespring]

the US has military bases all round the world. the US has advanced aircraft carriers patrolling every major oceans. yet AJ's concern is this regional power without a working catobar aircraft carrier.

[xerasferalos]

It's like watching a WW3 Documentary.

[sangeetkatila]

Tbh China & Russia are those countries that wont show its full military power until its needed.

[MKaifYT]

China did a good step, I'm Indian & I know China have to always stay alert from this year due to safety issue.

[dialloalhassane]

Aljazeera can you tell us what is behind US navy ambition too ??

[obsidianstatue]

once the Type 003 CATOBAR carrier is launched later this year, and J-31 stealth fighter is taking off from it, then there will be no controversy about China's naval build up. do countries in the Caribbean object to American naval power? Same goes to China. if there is anything the US has taught China, is that if you are so powerful then the annoying objections from tiny countries will go away.
Also China's territorial claims have not change since 1911 and 1945, in fact it has shrunk since then, the current PRC inherited the territorial claims of ROC and have not expanded any claims, so the talk of territorial expansions is contrary to facts.

[nizicike]

If this guy do a US army force expansion, I want to see his serious face again

[kamranmahmood]

Why do humans never learn from their past And think they are different.