Expert: China needs at least three aircraft carriers

China should own at least three aircraft carriers in order to accomplish sea combat missions and fulfill international obligations, Chinese naval expert Li Jie said while communicating with the users of People's Daily Online's Qiangguo Forum on Nov. 27.

Li believes that China should increase military buildup in the future, especially naval buildup, which is crucial to protecting its maritime rights and interests.

He said that China should build more aircraft carriers, and own at least three such warships, so it can accomplish sea combat missions in times of war, crisis, or emergency. Furthermore, the country should use the aircraft carrier to project its power and achieve certain sea and air superiority when necessary, so as to win sea battles more easily.

As a responsible major power and one of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, China will shoulder more international responsibility in various fields such as disaster relief and combat against terrorism and piracy. Therefore, the country's naval force, particularly large warships, will become more and more useful.