Want China Times
Cao Weidong, a Chinese military expert told state-run Beijing Television that China should not build its first domestic aircraft carrier as a nuclear-powered vessel since the nation does not have the technology to operate it.
During the interview, Cao said that it is better for China to construct an aircraft carrier for the People's Liberation Army Navy with a displacement of 60,000 tons. Since a light aircraft carrier cannot carry as many aircraft, Cao suggested that China's new aircraft carrier should at least be a medium-sized vessel like the Liaoning, China's first carrier introduced from Ukraine. However, a medium-size carrier can only carry 30 aircraft on board.
Cao said that China's future carrier should be able to carry as many aircraft as possible. He believes that it is important for China to gain control of the air when fighting strong adversaries at sea. Cao said the PLA Navy needs a supercarrier similar to the Forrestal-class aircraft carriers of the United States Navy. He said, however, that China's first supercarrier should not be powered by a nuclear reactor.
Cao said that China still lacks experience in operating a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and that it will take more time for China to acquire such knowledge. He also said that China needs at least three aircraft carriers to defend its 14,500 kilometer coastline as well as dealing with threats in the South and East China seas.
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| Chinese Navy's Liaoning aircraft carrier |
Cao Weidong, a Chinese military expert told state-run Beijing Television that China should not build its first domestic aircraft carrier as a nuclear-powered vessel since the nation does not have the technology to operate it.
During the interview, Cao said that it is better for China to construct an aircraft carrier for the People's Liberation Army Navy with a displacement of 60,000 tons. Since a light aircraft carrier cannot carry as many aircraft, Cao suggested that China's new aircraft carrier should at least be a medium-sized vessel like the Liaoning, China's first carrier introduced from Ukraine. However, a medium-size carrier can only carry 30 aircraft on board.
Cao said that China's future carrier should be able to carry as many aircraft as possible. He believes that it is important for China to gain control of the air when fighting strong adversaries at sea. Cao said the PLA Navy needs a supercarrier similar to the Forrestal-class aircraft carriers of the United States Navy. He said, however, that China's first supercarrier should not be powered by a nuclear reactor.
Cao said that China still lacks experience in operating a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and that it will take more time for China to acquire such knowledge. He also said that China needs at least three aircraft carriers to defend its 14,500 kilometer coastline as well as dealing with threats in the South and East China seas.
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