Trying to keep my reasoning succinct in order to avoid writing a wall of text:
The soviets were geographically blocked from this being an option
Similarly for Vietnam for different reasons
Cuba doesn’t have the option of dedicating the requisite amount resources(and has the misfortune of being an island next to the most powerful current naval power)
China has the geography to become a great naval power. Sure, it doesn’t have both coasts. It has land connections that led to the Silk Road being a thing on the other, possibly a greater advantage.
They are building up militarily, and seem to be advancing commercial maritime pursuits on this well.
Thoughts?
I'm missing something -- how is it short sighted? Aircraft carriers are great if you want to attack a limited opponent on the other side of the globe, but if you're not attacking (or if your opponent can reach your carriers with subs/nukes/missiles), what's the use?
Subs support your nuclear deterrent and let you attack shipping, which seems like plenty for national defense.