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Sunday, February 24, 2013

Chinese Aircraft Carrier


For John, BLUFThe Chinese are making friends in a lot of different places.

From the Strategy Page we have this little blurb on how the Chinese Navy learned how to fly in Brazil.  It turns out the Brazilian Navy has an aircraft carriers, the NAe SÃO PAULO.

Here are some notes from someone I know with some insights into this issue:

An interesting examination of how knowledge can proliferate.

The Chinese, rather than learning how to conduct carrier operations on their own, or approaching the Russians (who, from Indian experience, would seem at times unreliable), appear to have found another source of knowledge--the Brazilians.

This should not actually be surprising--Chinese cooperation with the Brazilians in, for example, their space programs has benefited both countries.

It does answer the question of how the Chinese were able to do a basic carrier take-off and landing (more advanced than a touch-and-go), and raises interesting questions of what other kinds of cooperation might be going on around the world, especially among smaller, second-tier powers which we simply don't think about. Just a thought...

It isn't always about us, but it could impact us.  China is beginning to try and push around those nations on its periphery.  Some may call on us for help.  We need to be thinking about that, which is why our pivot to Asia is important and of value.  Now, if we can provide the resources without stripping other areas dry, we will be OK.  Nothing says you area serious like an aircraft carrier moving into the area, unless it is an airfield or an army unit already there.

Regards  —  Cliff

2 comments:

Jack Mitchell said...

As far as I know, the Brazilians are tight with the Japanese. Sao Paulo has the largest concentration of Japanese living outside of Japan.

Even so, the Chinese are a fine people. We have nothing to fear. Unless, American global hegemony is something to covet?

C R Krieger said...

What I am worried about is a desire for regional hegemony.  That and our commitments to Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, The Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and Australia, plus informal commitments and nation interest issues regarding Viet-nam, Cambodia, Laos, and maybe Burma.

As for Brazil, they are clearly now a Second Tier player.  Their territory and population is greater than France's and their GDP is higher.  Maybe they should have a Permanent Seat on the UN Security Council.

Regards  —  Cliff