The New Chinese Aircraft Carrier Shi Lang is Not a Threat

With the launch of the revamped Varyag - renamed the Shi Lang - China has assumed great power status at sea. Talking heads the world over are abuzz with the implications of this aspect of Chinese military modernization, and they're wondering what threat this and any following new Chinese aircraft carrier will pose to the balance of power in Asia. Writers seem to take one of two angles, either arguing that the Chinese carrier is a mere symbol hindered by Soviet era technology or a dire and growing threat to US interests. The truth, naturally, is somewhere between these two poles. While only time will reveal the full capabilities of Shi Lang and the doctrine behind her defense of China, aircraft carrier tech is now part of China's arsenal.