Thursday, April 23, 2015

Blog Post #5 - When an Aircraft Carrier Just Won’t Do

Back last month, there was a question on the Wings reading that asked about the significance of using aircraft carriers during WWII.  American forces successfully defended our Pacific island bases by using air support launched from these large carriers.  Recognizing that being able to land and take off from the sea is a big advantage, from time to time various countries with sea borders have proposed, and even built, floating airstrips.  Deemed largely unstable, as well as unprofitable (because regular airports conduct business other than simply allowing airplanes to take off and land), these floating airports simply do not have the space for airport support (and we all know that commercial aviation looks to its bottom line).

On the other hand, military aviation does not usually employ bottom line budgeting, and China is very willing and able to pour as much money as possible into its military – especially if the result is an advantage in the disputed South China Sea.  Because they have the largest military force on Earth, China isn’t too subtle about using their might to intimidate or outright threaten those who resist them.  China claims the South China Sea (or at least most of it – they do recognize that sovereign countries have ownership of their own borders and a limited amount of ocean extending from these borders). 

Now, satellite imagery shows that China has been building up some small underwater islands called the Spratlys in order to build an airbase.  This will give their military some land based access to the entire region (something they currently lack – having to deploy aircraft carriers for the time being – and giving up stealth in the process).  Although China is taking the stance that their construction is only for providing support for their country’s fishermen and commercial shipping interests (i.e. search and rescue, refueling), nobody else is buying it, tensions are high in the region, and are beginning to be felt around the world.

The U.S. government has formally requested that China desist, and notes the article “China's moves in the region should spark fear around the world, with military conflict possible, Philippine President Benigno Aquino told AFP on Tuesday” (“China”).  Military aviation is still a significant player in global security.

“China 'Building Runway in Disputed South China Sea.’” Associated Free Press via Yahoo News. 17 April 2015. Web. 18 April 2015.


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