Very well said, Kwaig.China WILL have CVNs or at least CVs with the 50-80 airwing because that IS the optimal balance. They will have it for the same exact reasons why USN has them. Optimum balance or size, power projection and practicality. Since carriers have very very long lifespan, any new class of CVs or CVNs China put into sea tomorrow will likely be sailing close to the end of the century and China being known for their long term planning will most definitely consider that variable. Will PLAN be a true blue water global Navy in 2100? or even 2075? Every single naval asset they put into place in the next 10-20 years will have to consider that eventuality.
Agree 100%