China needs three aircraft carriers, writes naval researcher

China should have at least three aircraft carriers to defend its national interests at sea, a mainland naval expert said, adding that criticism overseas of an expansion of the fleet was an overreaction.

Three carriers would just meet the most basic demands of China's navy, said Li Jie, a researcher at the Naval Military Studies Research Institute.

"Among three carrier fighting groups, just one would able to carry out operational missions because one would be used for training, while the third would have to undergo maintenance," he said.

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