I am wondering why China has not invaded Taiwan. I think it is because the Peoples Republic of China has always been at a disadvantage vis a vis the USA. The powerful US navy ,in particular the 7th fleet has been an eyesore for China. One of the reasons is the lack of an aircraft carrier to counter the US navy.
Things are now changing and the Chinese bought an old carrier from Ukraine. This came without engines and the Chinese fitted new turbines in it. It is a slow carrier and able to move at aspeed of about 20 knots an hour. This is slow, but the Chinese navy can learn operations as a start.
The Chinese have now begun sea trials for the carrier. But this again will take some time as mastering operations from a carrier takes time. To attain operational capability will take at least 2 years.
The Chinese did a mistake in not going for a carrier earlier. Even the Indian navy has been operating aircraft carrier for over 45 years and successfully used it in the 1971 conflict in East Pakistan. The Chinese are now making amends and going in for aircraft carriers. Reports suggest that that Chinese are planning a fleet of 20 carriers. But it will be difficult to make up for lost time for at least a decade. Till then the Chinese will remain a second rate naval power.
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