Dying with Eyes Open or Closed: The Debate over a Chinese Aircraft Carrier

Abstract

Abstract There is a debate currently going on inside China over the potential benefits and drawbacks to the long-standing Chinese dream of possessing an aircraft carrier. Proponents of a Chinese aircraft carrier—achieved either through foreign procurement or indigenous production—point to such an acquisition as both ensuring China's ability to defend its territories from foreign aggressors and confirming its status as a global power. They also argue that possession of an aircraft carrier would help secure key sea lines of communication (SLOCs) vital to China's energy security and trade, while boosting national pride. However, these arguments are rooted more in nationalism than pragmatism, as a Chinese aircraft carrier would negatively impact China's security environment in a number of ways. Such a development would no doubt have widespread geopolitical consequences, giving credence to the “China threat” abroad, and increasing tension in Sino-ASEAN and Sino-U.S. relations. Such tension would damage Beijing...