What did they do, reverse engineer F-35's and Hawkeyes from photo's and model kits and watch endless repeats of Top Gun and The Final Countdown? Well whatever, Bravo! That's mighty impressive footage, and thanks for posting.

The PLAN may be able to launch and trap under sunny skies but how well they are able to integrate and utilise a blue water air wing into task force ops at night or in marginal weather remains to be seen. It should be remembered and it is fair to point out that China last went to war in 1979 - for a month- with Vietnam and it didn't turn out too well, and the only other time before that was Korea. The PLA/PLAN does not have any living war or conflict experienced officers within their ranks or acadamies, so if they go to war with anybody it will be all new to them.

Also, you will see that the western Pacific (North) is being hammered currently by a typhoon. The season is between mid May and early October and to be on the safe side I don't think the PLA/PLAN would be too interested in launching any sea born invasion of Taiwan during that extended period. So, invasion season would most likely have a starting point towards the end of any year, and the pressure would be on to wrap it up within six months. Would they be up to it? Considering what's at stake it's a big ask.