The Shandong aircraft carrier has seen limited deployments at sea over the past five years, sparking media discussion about whether there are quality issues with China's aircraft carriers.
This assertion seems somewhat plausible at first glance, but it lacks factual basis.
Firstly, the Shandong is China's first entirely domestically designed and built aircraft carrier.
Construction began in 2013, it was launched in 2017, and it entered service in 2019, a process spanning six years.
Building this massive vessel, with a displacement of 60,000 tons, was exceedingly complex, equivalent to over 20 large oil tankers in total engineering effort.
It includes more than 3,000 compartments and over 10,000 installed pieces of equipment.
Why has the Shandong been deployed so infrequently since its launch?
This is primarily due to China's strategic deployment considerations.
In contrast, American aircraft carriers conduct global patrols year-round, with deployments lasting up to one or two years.
This is because the United States uses carriers as a key component of its global strategy.
China's carriers, on the other hand, primarily serve national defense and security purposes, thus they do not require frequent deployment.
Additionally, the Shandong is currently undergoing technical upgrades and modifications to meet modern battlefield requirements.
Some might ask why the Liaoning, another Chinese carrier, has a higher deployment frequency than the Shandong?
This is because, in addition to missions, the Liaoning also plays a crucial role in training naval aviation and carrier crew, necessitating frequent training at sea.
The Liaoning was China's first carrier, initially purchased as a semi-finished product from Ukraine and extensively refitted into a modern carrier.
In contrast, the Shandong was entirely designed and built domestically using Chinese technological capabilities, akin to the difference between purchasing a used car and designing a new one.
The Shandong has introduced many innovations in its design.
For example, its island is shorter than that of the Liaoning but includes an additional deck level, which not only increases deck space and enhances efficiency for aircraft takeoff and landing but also extends the detection range of phased array radars.
Furthermore, the Shandong has implemented "community management" internally, dividing the ship into different functional zones to enhance operational efficiency and reduce personnel movement.
Why then build the more advanced Fujian?
This ties into China's aircraft carrier development strategy.
Originally, the Shandong was intended to be equipped with catapults, but due to slower-than-expected technological progress, China decided to first build a ski-jump carrier, which became the Shandong.
The Fujian will further adopt electromagnetic catapult technology, with a displacement of 80,000 tons, enhancing the carrier's aircraft carrying capacity and combat effectiveness.
In the future, as various retrofit and upgrade projects are completed, the Shandong will gradually increase its frequency of maritime activities.
Together with the Liaoning and Fujian, it will become a cornerstone of China's naval power, playing a crucial role in safeguarding national sovereignty and world peace.
The significance of aircraft carriers lies not only in their combat capabilities but also in their symbolism of national strategy and defense capability.
China's aircraft carrier construction is not merely a response to current geopolitical challenges but also a safeguard for national interests and international security.
As China's comprehensive national strength continues to grow, its carrier technology and fleet operations capabilities are also steadily advancing.
Moreover, the construction of the Shandong as a significant milestone in China's aircraft carrier development has driven the development of domestic industries related to carriers.
From steel manufacturing to electronic equipment and aviation technology, China's carrier projects span multiple fields, providing crucial support for the application and development of domestic high-tech industries.
In addition to technological advancements, China's carrier construction and operations have profound implications for international maritime security and the establishment of international rules.
As a responsible major power, China consistently adheres to international law and rules during carrier operations, actively participating in global maritime governance and security.
Finally, China's carrier construction is not just a showcase of military technology but also an integral part of its long-term development strategy.
In the future, with advancing technology and accumulated experience, China's carrier battle groups will play an increasingly important role on the world stage, contributing more to safeguarding national interests and world peace.
Although the Shandong has had fewer deployments in the past five years, its contributions in technological innovation, national defense strategy, and international influence are undeniable.
It is not only a significant milestone in the development of the Chinese Navy but also a symbol and practice of China's journey toward becoming a maritime power.
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