China Builds Fourth Aircraft Carrier Amid Global Tensions

Beijing, Oct 14 (PTI): China is advancing with the construction of its fourth aircraft carrier, coinciding with preparations to commission its third carrier, the Fujian, following the completion of successful sea trials.

The vessel's construction is underway at a shipyard located in Dalian, Liaoning province, as revealed by satellite imagery published by the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post.

China, a latecomer among major naval powers in acquiring aircraft carriers, presently operates two carriers: the Liaoning, a refurbished Soviet-era vessel that was commissioned in 2012, and Shandong, an indigenously constructed carrier that became operational in 2019.

The third carrier, Fujian, has been progressing through tests and training phases, and its commissioning is imminent, according to Chinese military spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang last month.

Zhang noted that the carrier-based aircraft J-15T, J-35, and KongJing-600 have successfully conducted catapult-assisted take-off and arrested landing exercises aboard the Fujian.

Fujian is considered the most advanced among the Chinese carriers, featuring an electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) akin to that of the American USS Gerald R. Ford.

All three of China's existing carriers are conventionally powered.

However, the speculation around the fourth carrier indicates it may utilize nuclear propulsion, enhancing its range and endurance while providing additional power for advanced systems.

It is anticipated that this new carrier, like Fujian, will be equipped with EMALS launch and arrest systems.

Analysts suggest that in light of rising tensions with the United States, China may be motivated to expand its fleet of aircraft carriers for strategic operations across global maritime routes.

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