Is China Building a Fourth Aircraft Carrier?
China’s naval ambitions have been a topic of interest in recent years, with the country’s military modernization efforts receiving significant attention globally. One of the most significant developments in this regard is the rapid expansion of China’s aircraft carrier fleet. Currently, China has three operational aircraft carriers, with a fourth one reportedly under construction. In this article, we will explore the question: Is China building a fourth aircraft carrier?
Background: China’s Aircraft Carrier Fleet
China’s aircraft carrier program began in the early 2000s, with the first carrier, the Liaoning, being commissioned in 2012. The Liaoning was built from a former Soviet-era carrier, the Varyag, which was purchased from Ukraine in 1998. The Liaoning underwent significant modifications before its commissioning, and it has since served as a testing ground for China’s carrier-based aviation capabilities.
In 2017, China commissioned its second aircraft carrier, the Shandong, which was built domestically. The Shandong is significantly larger than the Liaoning, with a displacement of over 50,000 tons. It is also equipped with more advanced systems and technology.
In 2020, China commissioned its third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, which is the largest and most advanced of the three. The Fujian has a displacement of over 60,000 tons and is equipped with a number of advanced systems, including a catapult-assisted takeoff system.
Rumors of a Fourth Aircraft Carrier
In recent months, rumors have emerged about China building a fourth aircraft carrier. The Global Times, a Chinese state-run newspaper, reported in June 2022 that China was constructing a fourth aircraft carrier, with construction reportedly underway at the Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai.
The rumors were met with skepticism by some experts, who questioned the feasibility of China building a fourth carrier so quickly. However, People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy sources have reportedly confirmed that the construction of a fourth aircraft carrier is indeed underway.
Details of the Fourth Aircraft Carrier
According to reports, the fourth aircraft carrier will be significantly larger than the Fujian, with a displacement of over 70,000 tons. It will also be equipped with advanced systems, including a more advanced catapult-assisted takeoff system and improved radar and communication systems.
The carrier will reportedly be built at the Jiangnan Shipyard, which has previously constructed the Shandong and Fujian. The construction of the fourth carrier is expected to take around 3-5 years, with the carrier being commissioned in the mid-2020s.
Implications of a Fourth Aircraft Carrier
The construction of a fourth aircraft carrier would have significant implications for China’s naval power and global influence. It would demonstrate China’s commitment to its military modernization efforts and its desire to become a major naval power.
The fourth carrier would also provide China with increased capabilities in terms of power projection and flexibility. It would allow China to maintain a larger fleet of aircraft carriers, with the ability to deploy multiple carriers in different regions.
Table: Comparison of China’s Aircraft Carriers
| Carrier | Displacement | Length | Beam | Speed | Aircraft | Commissioned |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liaoning | 50,000 tons | 300 meters | 38 meters | 30 knots | 24 | 2012 |
| Shandong | 50,000 tons | 315 meters | 40 meters | 30 knots | 24 | 2017 |
| Fujian | 60,000 tons | 320 meters | 40 meters | 30 knots | 32 | 2020 |
| Fourth Carrier | 70,000 tons | 330 meters | 42 meters | 30 knots | 36 | Mid-2020s |
Conclusion
In conclusion, yes, China is building a fourth aircraft carrier. The construction of the carrier is a significant development in China’s naval modernization efforts and demonstrates the country’s commitment to becoming a major naval power.
The fourth carrier will provide China with increased capabilities in terms of power projection and flexibility, and will allow it to maintain a larger fleet of aircraft carriers. While the construction of the carrier is a significant development, it is also important to note that China’s aircraft carrier program is still in its early stages, and the country has a long way to go before it can be considered a major naval power.
Additional Resources
- "China’s Aircraft Carrier Fleet: A Growing Presence in the Asia-Pacific" by the Center for Strategic and International Studies
- "China’s Aircraft Carrier Program: An Overview" by the Naval War College Review
- "The PLA Navy’s Aircraft Carrier Program: A Study of China’s Naval Modernization" by the Journal of Contemporary Asia-Pacific Affairs
