China's Aircraft Carrier Doctrine Differs From U.S. Model, Experts Say
Quick Look
Experts note that China's aircraft carrier force is evolving through unique pilot recruitment, command structures, and fleet integration, pointing to a naval doctrine distinct from the U.S. model.
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Why It Matters
China's carrier force is evolving under strategic conditions different from U.S. naval doctrine.
Yet behind the high-profile ship launches, experts say quieter changes in pilot recruitment, command structures and fleet integration point to a carrier doctrine distinct from the American model.
“The biggest misconception among Western analysts is the tendency to evaluate the [Chinese navy] through the doctrinal mirror of the US Navy,” said Brendan Mulvaney, director of the China Aerospace Studies Institute.
“Just because they have the same kinds of equipment doesn’t mean they will use it in the same way as the US. Their goals, missions and challenges are different than ours; they will come up with Chinese solutions to Chinese problems.”
China’s carrier force is evolving under strategic conditions unlike those that shaped the American naval doctrine of using carriers to project power thousands of kilometres from home.
Open Questions
- How will Chinese carrier tactics differ operationally from the U.S. Navy?
