A Plane, A Ship, and a Empty Gas Tank

During the course of the search for Malaysia Airlines fight 370 China has revealed a major flaw in its strategic logistics. They cannot refuel their own ships for prolonged ocean voyages. They have neither the refueling ships nor the refueling depots that countries like the US and Russia enjoy in our efforts to assert our power globally. The problem that this rising world superpower has run into is not unlike that of that of the American Navy during the late 19th and early 20th century.

China's lack of military ports around the south pacific severely limits its force projection capabilities.  http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/131002204730-chinese-aircraft-carrier-story-top.jpg

The search for MH370 has shown that while in peace time China is able to use its regional ties to refuel their ships for humanitarian purposes, should a conflict arise they would be in deeper trouble. One international relations expert at Beijing University said "the Indian Ocean search was an "exceptional" circumstance" and that China would need to continue to foster friendly relations in the region if they want to be able to project power in the future. 

If China were able to project a naval power throughout the pacific region this would throw the entire balance in the east out of order. But their logistical limitations will continue to hamper China's advance for the near future. While they have been able to refuel at sea as of 2008, they will never be able to project the needed power until their secure logistical support from friendly nations in the Pacific region.