The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) acknowledges its only operational aircraft carrier, the CNS Liaoning (CV-16), lags behind the U.S. Navy's Nimitz-class aircraft carriers in combat capabilities.

This disadvantage won't matter, however, since the Chinese carrier intends to dominate the waters of the South China Sea within range of China's shore-based ballistic missiles.

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The Liaoning will play a significant role in safeguarding China's maritime rights and interests despite the Ministry of Defense declaring the carrier is mainly being used for scientific research, training and accumulating experience and technology for developing homemade aircraft carrier in the future.

This, according to Rear Admiral Yin Zhuo, member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee and director of the PLA Navy's Expert Consultation Committee on Cyber Security and IT Application.

Adm. Yin also said that "in terms of maritime rights and interests, the East China Sea, South China Sea and waters around the Taiwan Strait are the most important sea areas of China's maritime rights and interests, and the Liaoning ship can play a significant role in those areas."

He denied the Liaoning is a "paper tiger" as claimed by American military media.

He did, however, admit the U.S. has the richest experience and most advanced aircraft carrier technologies, and these advantages are based on nearly 100 years of experience in aircraft carrier operations.

In contrast, China's aircraft carrier development began just over a decade ago, and its experience in the use of aircraft carriers is even shorter.

"From the most basic technical training like landing and takeoff to far-sea training, the aircraft carrier Liaoning is getting closer to having complete combat capability," said Adm. Yin.

In developing its aircraft carrier technology, China follows the strategy of "small but fast steps," which means it's moving steadily from improving the Liaoning to building homemade carrier as planned.

"China's aircraft carriers will adopt catapult-assisted take-off (C.A.T.O.) and be equipped with early warning aircraft, electronic combat aircraft, anti-submarine patrol aircraft, and modern comprehensive electronic information system. They will move from mechanized platform to IT platform," said Adm. Yin.

TagsPeople's Liberation Army Navy, PLAN, CNS Liaoning, U.S. Navy, Nimitz-class aircraft carriers, South China Sea, Rear Admiral Yin Zhuo