American satellite images showed that China deployed a aircraft carrier fleet in nearby waters, which shows that the largest naval force in the world continues to improve its capabilities, amid growing tensions with Filipinas y Taiwan.
As reported Newsweekthe photos – provided by the Landast 8 satellite, developed by NASA and the United States Geological Survey – show the aircraft carrier CNS Liaoning sailing in the Mar de Bohaiin the south of the country, shortly after, last month, he participated in other joint operations with two aircraft carriers in it South China Seato the northeast.
It is a warship with a total displacement of 66,000 tons.
At the same time, the CNS Fujian – the most advanced of its class in the Beijing fleet – when it left the Jiangnan shipyard in Shanghai to begin its fifth round of water exercises. According to experts on the subject, on this occasion, the 80,000-ton ship will test a innovative catapult-assisted takeoff system which, thanks to the use of electromagnetism, represents a important advance in the operational capacity of these ships.
Images taken by individuals in China showed that they were identified on board the ship. two types of airplanesadded Newsweek.
China is, at the moment, the strongest naval force in the world, with more than 370 ships and submarines, among which stand out three conventionally powered aircraft carriers. Furthermore, in the middle of the month, the news agency AP reported that the Asian giant had completed the construction of a terrestrial nuclear reactor designed for a large surface ship, which suggested that the first nuclear powered aircraft carrier.
All this news reflects the will of Xi Jinping to continue improving their attacking capacity and to enter “the exclusive league of naval powers first classa group currently limited to the United States and France,” explained Carnegie Endowment for International Peace researcher Tong Zhao. However, this desire is not limited to the marine environment alone.
Recently, Beijing has also made important progress regarding the aviationlike complement of its naval power. During an exhibition this month, Chinese experts presented the hunting J-15Ta combat aircraft that operates with the catapult-assisted takeoff system, in line with the technology implemented on ships.
This design allows it to carry more fuel and ammunition, and gives it greater efficiency and autonomy in its operations.
They also introduced the J-15D, from the same family, J-20S y J-35A and five other war planes.
As a result of these advances, and in the midst of growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific, USA reinforced its presence in the region, with the sending of 11 aircraft carriers. Among them are the USS George Washingtonwhich will be based in the port of Yokosuka, in Japan, and the USS Abraham Lincolnwhich as of this Thursday is at the northern end of the Strait of Malacca.
This way, Washington reinforces its commitment to Manila and Taipei when it comes to its defense and sovereignty, while Beijing strives to expand its influence and counter allied alliances.
