Satellite imagery analyzed by the Japan Institute for National Fundamentals (JINF) suggests China has likely started constructing its first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier at a shipyard in Dalian, Liaoning Province.
The construction is taking place at a dock operated by Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Group. It's the same facility where China's first domestically built aircraft carrier, Shandong, was assembled.
“The size and shape of the frames visible at the Dalian shipyard closely resemble those seen on the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier currently under construction in the US.”
“They are believed to be installations intended for reactor containment. By the early 2030s, the Chinese military may field aircraft carriers with capabilities potentially comparable to those of the US.”
“At present, China’s aircraft carrier capability is inferior to that of the US military. However, once the fourth carrier enters service, China may further increase its activities around Japan, making constant monitoring and intelligence gathering by the Self-Defense Forces and US forces necessary, and forcing Japan to respond.”
https://japan-forward.com/jinf-report-evidence-points-to-chinas-first-nuclear-aircraft-carrier/…https://sankei.com/article/20251215-3XQYHASEQFM2JDR25DJHWJMWFE/…
Satellite imagery analyzed by the Japan Institute for National Fundamentals (JINF) suggests China has likely started constructing its first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier at a shipyard in Dalian, Liaoning Province.
The construction is taking place at a dock operated by Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Group. It's the same facility where China's first domestically built aircraft carrier, Shandong, was assembled.
“The size and shape of the frames visible at the Dalian shipyard closely resemble those seen on the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier currently under construction in the US.”
“They are believed to be installations intended for reactor containment. By the early 2030s, the Chinese military may field aircraft carriers with capabilities potentially comparable to those of the US.”
“At present, China’s aircraft carrier capability is inferior to that of the US military. However, once the fourth carrier enters service, China may further increase its activities around Japan, making constant monitoring and intelligence gathering by the Self-Defense Forces and US forces necessary, and forcing Japan to respond.”
japan-forward.com/jinf-report-ev
sankei.com/article/202512