China has not publicly acknowledged the development of a new supercarrier, and a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington declined to comment when asked about the new design. Despite this, the U.S. has expressed concerns about China’s military capabilities, with Secretary of Defense Pete Hesgeth citing China as a “peer competitor” with the capability to threaten American interests in the Indo-Pacific. Satellite images have revealed that China may be working on a new supercarrier design with electromagnetic catapults similar to those used on American carriers.
The module seen in Dalian, China has two tracks close together, which could potentially lead to issues with interference. This new development follows previous satellite evidence that China has built a prototype naval reactor for a large surface warship, indicating a move towards nuclear-powered supercarriers to rival the U.S. China has previously refurbished a Soviet carrier and built the Fujian, a large carrier with similarities to U.S. supercarriers.
An analyst in Shanghai suggested that China may strive for nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, although the importance of such vessels in the era of artificial intelligence is questioned. The Chinese government has stated that it does not engage in aggression or expansion, but will defend its legitimate rights and interests against threats. They claim to adhere to a strategy of self-defense and have taken actions to safeguard world peace and stability.
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