US calls for China's plan to build 6 new aircraft carriers, no wonder the White House is rushing to launch battleships, the situation in the Western Pacific is about to change!

Recently, a report from the US Department of Defense once again pushed the development of the Chinese Navy into the spotlight: It is said that China plans to build an additional 6 aircraft carriers by 2035. If this goal is achieved on schedule, plus the existing Liaoning, Shandong, and the currently sea-trialing Fujian, China will have 9 active aircraft carriers - this number not only far exceeds any other country except the United States, but will also fundamentally reshape the balance of power in the Western Pacific.

The Fujian carrier is a landmark of a new era, because compared with the previous two carriers based on the Soviet design concept, the Fujian has achieved a generation leap in carrier aircraft takeoff efficiency, combat radius, and information level.

According to public information, its carrier air wing may include the J-35 stealth fighter, upgraded J-15T, electronic warfare version J-15D, the KJ-600 fixed-wing early warning aircraft, as well as the Zhi-20 general-purpose helicopter and various carrier-based drones. This means that the Fujian has a combat capability exceeding that of the Nimitz-class carrier.

Currently, although the US Navy has 11 nuclear-powered super carriers deployed globally, usually only 1 to 2 are stationed in the Western Pacific, and they need to cope with multiple tasks in the Middle East, Europe, etc. If China builds 9 aircraft carriers by 2035, even if most are medium-sized conventional powered ships, it will be sufficient to form a local numerical advantage and sustained presence capability in the Western Pacific.

Especially considering the regional anti-access/area denial system, including the DF-21D, DF-26, and hypersonic weapons, the freedom of movement of US aircraft carriers in this area will face unprecedented challenges. This is also the reason why the White House is so eager to launch battleships, because you must paint a pie for your allies, making them believe that the US military remains strong. If the aircraft carrier can't do it anymore, if it can't compete, then use the battleship. After all, China doesn't have a single battleship.

Original: toutiao.com/article/1852444193624139/

Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.