China's New Ship: Enter the Sichuan

Peter Zeihan 3 min

The new Chinese carrier is designed only for regional intimidation within the first island chain and is useless against major naval powers. The vessel serves no purpose beyond intimidating weaker neighbors in the immediate periphery.

Chapters

  1. 0:00

    The Sichuan's Limited Range

    The new Chinese carrier lacks the speed and endurance for global power projection.

  2. 0:48

    Focus on the First Island Chain

    The vessel is designed specifically for operations within the first island chain. The ship is useless against capable naval powers like the US or Australia.

Key points

  • 0:00

    The vessel's maximum emergency speed is likely closer to 20 knots.

  • 0:00

    Three days of full sprint does not allow the ship to travel far from home.

  • 0:48

    The ship cannot operate effectively in the Central Pacific or Indian Ocean.

  • 0:48

    China aims to contest only the first island chain of archipelagos.

  • 0:48

    Becoming a naval superpower requires a fleet five times as powerful as the US Navy.

  • 0:48

    The vessel is suitable for amphibious assaults against islands like Taiwan and the Philippines.

  • 0:48

    The ship lacks speed and requires a massive logistical train.

  • 0:48

    The vessel is almost useless in a hot war against a country with a meaningful navy.

  • 0:48

    China plans to use the ship to intimidate weaker powers in the periphery.

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