China downplayed the key role aircraft carriers will play in any future naval war against the United States, and insists its missile technologies negate the advantages accruing from the U.S. Navy's insurmountable lead in numbers of carriers.

More ominously, China warns that "If China and the US bombard and sink each other's aircraft carriers, another world war will break out."

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"Some external forces may believe that it is better to face-off with China sooner rather than later. However, as China is a nuclear power, confronting it is risky, which confounds and makes these forces apprehensive."

The state-run English language tabloid Global Times, which is infamous for its extreme right wing views, lampooned U.S. aircraft carriers in an eye-opening story. It has often been seen as mirroring the views of militarists in the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the Communist Party of China that control the PLA.

It rightly claims the Pacific Ocean is not the exclusive preserve of any nation, but remained silent on China's claim to own most of the South China Sea despite the Permanent Court of Arbitration declaring this claim null and void in a decision on July 12, 2016.

"The Pacific Ocean is not exclusive to any single country and no country should flex its muscles on China's doorstep to propagate its so-called freedom of navigation," said the story.

"As missile technologies advance, aircraft carriers are not the last bargaining chip between big powers. China's missile technologies rank among the world's most advanced. Its aircraft carrier is also supported by powerful systems.

"No matter whether it is the Xian H-6 nuclear bombers flying around Taiwan or aircraft carrier passing near the island's coastline, they showcase the Chinese mainland's dominating defense capabilities over the Taiwan Straits."

The story said "Chinese aircraft carriers will not take the initiative to strike Japan or snatch the Diaoyu Islands. China hopes for a peaceful East China Sea rather than making it into a battleground."

It warned that if Japan wants to contend with China, "it will realize how China's defense expenditure, which is almost four times of that of Japan, works."

"China has become one of the most powerful countries in the West Pacific, but it does not ask for more rights. China's core interests have not expanded, and it is open to negotiations for all disputes."

The story said the CNS Liaoning (CV-16) is used for scientific research and in preparation for wholly Chinese-made aircraft carriers under construction. 

Tagschina, war, United States, missile technologies, Global Times, People's Liberation Army, South China Sea, Japan, CNS Liaoning