The possession of a homegrown aircraft carrier – which the defense ministry has said displaces 55,000 tons – places China among the few military powers with such vessels, including the United States, Russia and Britain. But it would still be no match in size or range to the nuclear powered vessels of the United States Navy, which has 11 carriers. China’s warships will enable it to “project its power and influence in its neighborhood,” Steve Tsang, director of the China Institute at London’s School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), told AFP.

China tests 1st locally made aircraft carrier. (2018, May 14). The Philippine Star, pp. 1, 5.