Moreover, carriers are vulnerable to counter-attack by air and sea. The Sun Tze doctrine of bloodless victory is as attractive today as it was 2,500 years ago. Beijing is putting much of its effort into weapons that cause maximum intimidation and disruption with minimum resources. Missiles answer that need. What worries defense planners most is China's growing submarine fleet.
Subs are hard to track, especially the late-model diesel variety.
The PLA has six nuclear-powered attack submarines, compared to America's 95. Apparently Chinese subs rarely if ever sail beyond regional waters. But Beijing has bought two diesel Kilo-class submarines from Russia and is expected to buy two more next year. They will allow China to intercept commercial and naval shipping. According to the Pentagon, Beijing is also developing a new class of sub with Russian technology that eventually will boast anti-ship cruise missiles that can be launched when submerged.