China is believed to be working on targeting systems for its ballistic missiles, that would enable them to seek out and hit aircraft carriers. Such sensors would use infrared (heat seeking) technology. This sort of thing had been discussed for decades, but China appears to be putting together tactics, and missile systems, that could make this work. The key is having multiple sensor systems that can find the general location of the carrier, before launching the ballistic missile (like a DF-21, with a range of 2,100 kilometers).
I first became aware of this a couple years ago and noted it in this post. The 2005 DOD report on Chinese military capabilities notes "China is exploring the use of ballistic missiles for anti-access/sea denial missions." I went into more detail in this post.
Ulimately, I don't think such a weapon could win a naval war for China. But our carriers won't weather the storm very well. Hulk-21 anyone?
