Hainan base key to China's carrier survival, countering US

China's aircraft carrier base in Hainan province could be a critical asset for the People's Liberation Army Navy's survivability and its ability to counter U.S. containment strategies during wartime, according to a prominent mainland Chinese magazine. The strategic importance of this base is amplified by its potential role in supporting a maritime blockade around Taiwan in the event of a conflict.

The Chinese navy currently operates three aircraft carriers: the Liaoning, the Shandong, and the most advanced, the Fujian. The Fujian, commissioned last year and equipped with catapults, has its homeport in a military port in Sanya, southern Hainan province. This Sanya naval complex also includes the Yulin Naval Base, a key facility for supporting surface fleets and submarines.

The Shandong carrier is also primarily based in Sanya, Hainan. In contrast, the Liaoning's homeport is in Qingdao, Shandong province, which also serves as the headquarters for the navy's North Sea Fleet. However, the magazine suggests that the Hainan base holds greater strategic significance due to its geographic positioning.

This strategic advantage is particularly relevant as China faces persistent pressure from the United States and its allies along the first island chain. The Hainan base's location offers a crucial operational advantage, enhancing the fleet's resilience and its capacity to project power in the region.