Satellite imagery indicates China is likely constructing its first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier at a dockyard in Dalian, aimed at countering US forces in a potential Taiwan conflict, according to analysis by the Japan Institute for National Fundamentals.
Analysis by the Japan Institute for National Fundamentals reveals that satellite imagery captures structures at China's fourth aircraft carrier construction site resembling nuclear reactor containment vessels, suggesting it could be the country's first nuclear-powered carrier.
The vessel is under construction at a dock in Dalian, Liaoning Province—the same site where the second carrier, Shandong, was built. Keel blocks for hull support were spotted there in February, and by November, portions of the hull had been assembled, including two frames measuring 16 meters long and 14 meters wide inside.
Maki Nakagawa, a researcher at the institute, notes that these frames match the size and shape of nuclear reactor containment vessels on US nuclear-powered carriers. Only the United States and France currently operate such carriers, typically equipped with two reactors to allow continued sailing if one fails.
China already possesses nuclear-powered submarines and the requisite propulsion technology. Its three existing carriers rely on conventional power. To challenge approaching US forces in a Taiwan contingency, Beijing is enhancing its capacity to deploy carrier strike groups to distant waters in the western Pacific and beyond. Nuclear propulsion would enable longer operational endurance compared to conventional carriers.
Based on the construction timeline of the third carrier, Fujian, this fourth one could enter service within about seven years.
