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International News: Beijing is moving quickly to strengthen its navy by building a fourth aircraft carrier. Reports suggest the massive warship is taking shape at a shipyard in Dalian, Liaoning province. Satellite images indicate clear progress, with construction already visible. This comes as China’s third carrier, Fujian, is preparing to formally join the navy after successful trials. Analysts believe the fourth carrier could be nuclear-powered, signaling a bold step in China’s maritime ambitions. Such a vessel would mark a major leap for Beijing’s naval strength.
China was late in entering the aircraft carrier race compared to other naval powers, but progress has been fast. Today, China already operates two carriers. The Liaoning, commissioned in 2012, was refitted from an old Soviet ship. The Shandong, built domestically, entered service in 2019. Both ships helped China gain experience in carrier operations. With Fujian expected soon, the country will move from beginner status to a more advanced fleet operator. The fourth carrier project shows Beijing’s intent to close the gap with global rivals.
Fujian, the third carrier, has successfully completed sea trials and is set for induction into service soon. Military officials confirmed that aircraft including J-15T fighters, the newer J-35 jets, and Kongjing-600 surveillance planes have tested catapult-assisted takeoffs and arrested landings. Fujian is the first Chinese carrier equipped with the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System, or EMALS, a cutting-edge feature found on America’s USS Gerald R. Ford. This allows aircraft to take off and land faster, more safely, and with heavier payloads.
According to the South China Morning Post, the fourth carrier will likely feature nuclear propulsion. This technology allows ships to stay at sea for much longer without refueling, increasing operational range and endurance. Nuclear power also supports modern weapons and radar systems that consume vast energy. If confirmed, this move would put China closer to the capabilities of the United States Navy, whose largest carriers are nuclear-powered. Analysts see it as China’s biggest naval leap so far.
Aircraft carriers are not only military platforms but also symbols of global power. They allow a country to project strength far from its own shores, ensuring control over sea lanes. For China, this expansion comes amid growing tensions with the United States and disputes in the South China Sea. By adding more carriers, Beijing hopes to assert dominance in regional waters and increase its global maritime presence. Carriers also help build prestige and deter rivals in contested regions.
Experts argue that China’s naval buildup reflects concerns about America’s military influence in Asia-Pacific. The U.S. Navy frequently operates in the South China Sea and near Taiwan, challenging Beijing’s territorial claims. In response, China aims to match or counter this presence with its own carriers. The new ships also help reassure allies and show strength during diplomatic standoffs. With every new launch, China signals that it is ready to compete directly with Washington on the world’s oceans.
With Fujian soon to be commissioned and a fourth carrier under construction, China’s navy is on track to become the world’s second most powerful. Reports suggest further carriers may already be planned beyond the fourth. The speed of construction indicates China’s long-term vision of a global blue-water navy. As tensions rise with the U.S. and its allies, these carriers will play an increasingly central role. The coming years may see China reshape the balance of power at sea.
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