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- China's newest aircraft carrier is a substantial capability jump as it builds a modern blue-water navy.
- Carriers are important to China's national identity and vision of being a great power.
- Carriers are also useful tools China can use to address a variety of strategy and security issues.
China is building a fleet of aircraft carriers, making technological and capability jumps at a breakneck pace.
Carriers bring new aviation capabilities to its navy, but the flattops also appear to be key elements of China's vision for the future, giving it the ability to project strength and influence as a great power.