[kosmic_k]

They may say that, but I cannot fathom building a fully functioning carrier to be cheap by any measure. Chinese planners cannot possible expect for their artificial islands to last long in a conflict. They would be very vulnerable targets for cruise missile strikes from the Philippines, or Vietnam. So long as air power will play a significant part in warfare platforms to bring airpower where ever needed too will play a part.

[nl]

Note that there is one Chinese carrier in use[0] and it was actually purchased to use as a floating casino[1] for ~$20M (plus refit costs of course). We aren't talking Ford class money here. I do believe they are building more, but it isn't exactly clear how sophisticated they are. There are many theories that they are just building them to make the US and India waste money on building their own.

So long as air power will play a significant part in warfare platforms to bring airpower where ever needed too will play a part.

If we are talking about a potential South China Sea conflict, then it's all in range of Chinese planes flying off Hainan.

If we are talking more broadly, then I think you'll find that the Chinese idea of world power does not involve force projection the way the US understands it.

[0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aircraft_carrier#China

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_aircraft_carrier_Liaon...

[burfog]

That casino thing was a ruse. It was a ploy to reduce opposition to the sale, ensuring that the ship would actually be delivered.

[nl]

Exactly. Worked pretty well!

One would note that India spent $2.3 Billion on INS Vikramaditya[1], which was also an ex-Soviet aircraft carrier, of roughly similar vintage. It was fitted out though, so the comparison isn't entirely fair.

Nevertheless.. $20M vs $2.3B

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/INS_Vikramaditya