China expands Yuchi Naval Base: a new challenge to U.S. naval dominance

 

Satellite images obtained recently show large-scale work on the expansion of the Yuchi naval base in Qingdao in northeastern China. This base is of strategic importance, as it is here that the first Chinese aircraft carrier CNS Liaoning is located. The expansion of infrastructure indicates China's desire to strengthen its position as a leading maritime power and challenge the dominance of the United States in the oceans.

Yuchi Base plays a key role in the development of China's naval forces. This is where CNS Liaoning is located, the country's first aircraft carrier, which was commissioned in 2012. The expansion of the base may be due to the need to deploy new ships, including the second aircraft carrier CNS Shandong and promising models that are currently under development or construction.

Experts note that the modernization of the Yuchi base will allow China not only to improve logistics and maintenance of its fleet, but also to strengthen control over the waters of the East China and South China Seas. This is especially important in the context of growing tensions with neighboring countries and the United States.

According to the Pentagon, China has the largest fleet in the world in terms of the number of ships. The People's Liberation Army has a fleet of more than 370 units, including aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates, submarines and auxiliary vessels. Currently, there are two aircraft carriers in the fleet, but the third, more modern aircraft carrier, is under construction.

At the same time, the United States remains the leader in the number of active aircraft carriers, with 11 such ships at its disposal. However, the rapid development of the Chinese navy is of concern to Washington, as Beijing is actively increasing its capabilities to project power outside the region.

The expansion of the Yuchi base and the strengthening of the Chinese fleet are part of Beijing's broader strategy to strengthen its position on the world stage. China is striving to create a fleet capable of not only protecting its interests in coastal waters, but also operating in remote regions, including the Indo-Pacific region.

This provokes a serious reaction from the United States and its allies, who fear that China may use its naval forces to implement an aggressive foreign policy. In response, the United States is strengthening its presence in the Asia-Pacific region, conducting joint exercises with partners, and continuing to modernize its fleet.

The expansion of the Yuchi naval base and the general strengthening of the Chinese navy may become a catalyst for a new arms race in the field of naval forces. It also increases the risk of clashes between China and the United States, especially in disputed areas such as the South China Sea.

The expansion of the Yuchi base in Qingdao symbolizes China's desire to become a leading maritime power and challenge the dominance of the United States. The construction of new ships, the modernization of infrastructure and the strengthening of the navy underline Beijing's ambitions in this direction.