July 7th, 2024

Construction of the 4th Chinese aircraft carrier has reportedly started

Construction of China's 4th aircraft carrier has started, featuring advanced technologies. Experts question nuclear-powered carrier readiness. China aims for a dozen carriers by 2045, upgrading existing ones for J-35 stealth fighters.

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Construction of the 4th Chinese aircraft carrier has reportedly started

The construction of the 4th Chinese aircraft carrier has commenced, as confirmed by Chinese military officials. The new carrier is expected to be an evolution of the Fujian, featuring modern technologies like electromagnetic catapults and a diverse air group. While some experts doubt China's readiness for a nuclear-powered carrier, the current focus remains on conventionally powered vessels to meet regional needs. The Chinese Navy's rapid expansion in aircraft carrier capabilities is evident, with plans to operate a dozen carriers by 2045. The Liaoning and Shandong carriers are undergoing upgrades to accommodate the advanced J-35 stealth fighter, enhancing their operational capabilities. China's ambitious aircraft carrier program reflects its strategic maritime goals and aspirations to rival the US Navy's carrier fleet.

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Link Icon 6 comments
By @Animats - 10 months
Construction of the first new Type 004 Chinese aircraft carrier has been rumored to be under way for years now.

Is this supposed to be a new Type 004, or another Type 003 like the Fujian?

With the Fujian completed and in sea trials, it would make sense to keep the production line going and crank out a few more. The US suffers from on and off warship production. Some years ago, after winning a carrier order, the head of Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock announced, in a letter to Congress, that if the Navy would order two at once, Newport News would throw in a third one for free. The Navy declined.

By @borisk - 10 months
Very interesting. Wonder what does building an aircraft carrier fleet say about China's military priorities. Are they more focused on occupying Taiwan, or on keeping the Malacca Straight open for commerce, or on power projection across the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
By @lkdfjlkdfjlg - 10 months
I'm not an expert or anything, but don't modern day drone capabilities mean that aricraft carriers are easy to destroy or incapacitate?
By @ineedaj0b - 10 months
There’s credible rumors China is planning to make moves on Taiwan 2028ish.

I feel bad for the Taiwanese, similar to how I felt about Hong Kong. I was hoping we’d offer Hong Kong citizens aslyum (you’d make great US citizens!) but I realize we’d probably also get a few… dissidents caught in our net with that program. I even debated marrying a Hong Kong girl for citizenship but couldn’t find any online, also what a weird offer to make, no one took me up on it (couldn’t find where Hong Kong people posted to advertise even).

Anyhow, I do support strengthening our military. I was younger and thought our military budget was silly but after more reading and more nuance in my worldview, I realize our military is source of consistency - a necessary evil that’s helped to avoid larger wars. Still wish we had better healthcare though.