Carriers bring a different objective to a force moving toward sea control. Controlling the sea allows a navy to use it for operations, maneuver, and the movement of land forces. Expeditionary power would require taking control of seas farther from home. The PLAN's objective here is control around China with occasional power projection, so nearby sea control and a wider expeditionary role remain distinct ambitions.
Notable Point · 1:08:15-1:09:07
Sea control comes before expeditionary power
The PLAN's drive to control nearby seas is distinct from a broader expeditionary mission to seize command of distant waters.