Even now, China is acquiring weapons, such as accurate anti-ship ballistic missiles, that will push American carriers out into the western Pacific, well beyond the range of seaborne F-35s.

Its main role in public security is as a deterrent; even on the quietest days, its troops patrol in armoured personnel carriers, pointing automatic weapons out of the Windows.

Carriers are primarily peacetime status symbols. They are too vulnerable to modern weapons and detection systems to risk in a major conflict.