China's sea lanes and the case for carrier power projection

China's energy traffic from the Gulf and other imported resources sustain its manufacturing economy. Keeping those supplies moving makes maritime routes and infrastructure strategically important. Operations farther into the Indian Ocean create a reason for task groups to carry their own aviation and support the move toward a CATOBAR carrier. One prediction is that this dependence could alter China's approach to freedom of the seas, perhaps favouring free passage selectively when its own supplies are at stake. A probably hybrid air group and experience from a newly launched drone-capable amphibious ship are also expected to feed into carrier development.