Chinese article on India's new aircraft carrier INS Vikrant reveals Beijing's nervousness. Here's why

As Goliath Russia still finds it hard to overwhelm David Ukraine, is China realising that quality is more important than quantity?

The Chinese military website reportedly published an article on INS Vikrant, the aircraft carrier built by India. It is the largest and most complex warship to be built in the country, and is expected to be inducted into the Indian Navy in August 2022.

The Chinese article betrayed the sense of foreboding in Beijing as the world turns increasingly hostile to its aggressive policies, and India refuses to cede ground.

After describing the structure and features of the warship, the Chinese author reportedly stated that the usage of INS Vikrant will "boost the implementation of India's 'two oceans' strategy". The article said that India's sole aircraft carrier Vikramaditya is currently deployed in the western waters, i.e. on Pakistan's side. Now, Vikrant is set to be deployed on the eastern side, i.e. towards China. The article said that this would "expand India's influence in Southeast Asia and Asia Pacific" (Indo-Pacific).

The article shows that India's increasing military deterrence is making Beijing fidgety. Also, China's gamble to rattle Delhi through military aggression in Ladakh failed. It also shows that China has realised that its plan to establish regional hegemony is being challeged.

Now, let's take a look at the warship making China nervous.

Construction of INS Vikrant propelled India into an exclusive club of nations capable of building aircraft carriers. The largest and most complex warship built in India cost around ₹23,000 crore to make.

INS Vikrant will host 26 carrier-based fighter jets. These will probably be the Rafale-Marine or F-18 Super Hornets. MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31 choppers, and indigenous Advanced Light Helicopters will also be operated from the aircraft carrier.

It has a top speed of 28 knots or 51.8 kmph, and a cruising speed of 18 knots, or 33.3 kmph. It has 2,300 compartments to house a crew of 1,700, with special cabins for women personnel.