Are China's Aircraft Carriers A Threat?

China’s aircraft carrier Liaoning takes part in a military drill in the western Pacific Ocean in April. REUTERS/Stringer © Provided by Times of San Diego  

Times of San Diego: Analysis: China's New Carriers Don't Yet Compare to U.S. Ships Based in San Diego 

When China sailed one of its two active aircraft carriers, the Shandong, east of Taiwan last month as part of military drills surrounding the island, it was showcasing a capability that it has yet to master and could take years to perfect. 

As Beijing modernizes its military, its formidable missile forces and other naval vessels, such as cutting-edge cruisers, are posing a concern for the U.S. and its allies. 

But it could be more than a decade before China can mount a credible carrier threat far from its shores, according to four military attaches and six defence analysts familiar with regional naval deployments.  

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Update: China's aircraft carriers play 'theatrical' role but pose little threat yet (Reuters)  

WNU Editor: China has a different point of view .... China says Shandong aircraft carrier handled foreign reconnaissance ‘prudently’ (SCMP). More here .... Do Chinese carriers only play theatrical role? Shandong aircraft carrier fleet’s first Western Pacific drills effectively refute such smears (Global Times).