Note that there is one Chinese carrier in use[0] and it was actually purchased to use as a floating casino[1] for ~$20M (plus refit costs of course). We aren't talking Ford class money here. I do believe they are building more, but it isn't exactly clear how sophisticated they are. There are many theories that they are just building them to make the US and India waste money on building their own.
So long as air power will play a significant part in warfare platforms to bring airpower where ever needed too will play a part.
If we are talking about a potential South China Sea conflict, then it's all in range of Chinese planes flying off Hainan.
If we are talking more broadly, then I think you'll find that the Chinese idea of world power does not involve force projection the way the US understands it.
[0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aircraft_carrier#China
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_aircraft_carrier_Liaon...