The Chinese navy launched its second aircraft carrier which is known as China's first domestic carrier on Wednesday. Rational analysis indicates a giant distance from the compelling existence of US in the sea. Instead, the practical meaning of the construction of Chinese navy will contribute to the building of Chinese soft power, such as the Belt and Road Initiative.

Columnist Einar Tangen told CGTN’s Dialogue that, compared with challenging the US monopoly of sea power, Chinese aircraft carriers are essential to protect its interest under the current economy pattern.

“China has to have these aircraft carriers. It’s not the point where this is a technological marvel.  You are actually a big step after our (US’s) carriers or something like that. I don’t think it’s a demonstration of technology, it’s just something very practical.”

“If you don’t have that capability, you can’t protect your sea lines and project powers for global trade. China is in the low one hundred countries on the resource purpose bases.  US is very high on that list, we (US) can produce all the resources we need in a pinch, especially with the energy situation now.  China doesn’t have that luxury. You (China) have to import things, you have to add value to them you have to ship them out or sell in your own country. So you are much more vulnerable. If you don’t have these things (carriers), it would be a problem.”

Another guest, Wang Huiyao, President of CCG, believed that this step is just inevitable outcome of a rising country.

“There are some countries who worry about this newly-made aircraft carrier.  It’s still far smaller than what the US has.”

“China will never pose a threat.  This could be used for humanitarian use.  Also, China has already been in space and on land, so it’s natural for China to have some kind of capacity in the ocean region.”

Jonathan Holslag pointed out that a rapid growing Chinese economy could easily push the development of Navy building. But a promising prospect of the Belt and Road Initiative is the priority of soft power constructing. 

“Both an aircraft carrier and the Belt and Road Initiative is simply the normal projection of a rising power.  The Chinese economy allows capital to be transferred into military power.  I think the main challenge, with the regard to the Belt and Road, known as the new Silk Road, will be to make sure to benefit the economic growth of the countries that participate.  It is really something that Chinese decision makers must take into account. It’s a very important initiative and project. But in reality we still see a lot of developing countries struggling to make gains out of this partnership. If China doesn’t address that properly, some new challenges will rise in the future.”