China is concerned about Turkey\u2019s aircraft carriers because it knows they are useless in the Aegean.<\/h3>\n
Turkey\u2019s aircraft carriers, particularly the 60,000-ton aircraft carrier \u201cThrace\u201d under construction\u2014which is twice as large as the TCG Anadolu\u2014have elicited various reactions and captured China\u2019s interest. These Turkish carriers are intended for power projection missions. In the Aegean, geographical constraints make them less effective, but they can serve purposes in the Mediterranean, the Black Sea, and the Indo-Pacific.<\/p>\n
China is keeping an eye on developments in the Pacific, where Turkey seeks to bolster its military and diplomatic influence. Ankara has military ties with nations like Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines, countries that have territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea. The participation of Turkish naval forces in joint exercises could be seen as problematic for Beijing.<\/p>\n China also has significant economic and strategic interests in Africa and the Indian Ocean. Turkey\u2019s involvement in regions such as the Horn of Africa (Somalia, Djibouti) and Libya positions it as another geopolitical player. The narrow Aegean Sea limits the full utilization of an aircraft carrier or LHD, owing to the proximity of Greek islands and the Greek Air Force\u2019s ability to target them easily. However, in the Mediterranean, Red Sea, and Indian Ocean, such a vessel can be employed for power displays, amphibious assaults, and drone operations\u2014actions of which Beijing is certainly aware.<\/p>\n China might be concerned about Turkey\u2019s expanding role as a naval power in regions where China holds strategic interests. Notably, China\u2019s reactions have been headline news in Turkey, with Turkish sources claiming that \u201cTurkey\u2019s new military venture is causing panic in China.\u201d<\/p>\n An article published in the PLA Daily, the editorial organ of the Chinese People\u2019s Liberation Army, reported that Turkey announced the construction of a large aircraft carrier. The article stated that this 60,000-ton vessel would be twice the size of the 28,000-ton TCG Anadolu, currently the largest warship in Turkey, and used the headline \u201cTurkey begins forming a dual-aircraft carrier group,\u201d according to Turkish star.com.tr.<\/p>\n The Chinese are particularly perturbed by Erdogan\u2019s comments, aiming to make Turkey an influential global power. With a large aircraft carrier, the Turkish navy will be able to operate in distant regions such as the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic.<\/p>\n![\"1000155764\"](\"https:\/\/greekcitytimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/1000155764.jpg\")
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