China’s Nascent Aircraft Carrier Fleet

China’s Nascent Aircraft Carrier Fleet
By Eric Wertheim
April 2020 Proceedings Vol. 146/4/1,406

China has been rapidly expanding its aircraft carrier capabilities in recent years. The country currently operates two aircraft carriers: the Liaoning, a refurbished Soviet-era vessel, and the domestically built Type 001A carrier. Additionally, China is developing more advanced carriers, such as the Type 002 and Type 003, which will feature enhanced capabilities and larger air wings. These developments reflect China's growing naval power and its ambitions to become a major maritime force.