What China’s carrier recruitment drive says about PLA Navy’s long-term ambitions

China’s aircraft carrier programme is entering a new phase as Beijing broadens its focus to improve the recruitment and training of the crews and pilots needed for operations far from the country’s home waters, according to a new report. The London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies said the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy was making sweeping changes to pilot recruitment and training. Rather than relying mainly on experienced aviators transferring from operational…