Chinese military: fourth aircraft carrier likely to be nuclear powered, sources say

[xizhimen]

Chinese military: fourth aircraft carrier likely to be nuclear powered, sources say​

• ‘Shipbuilders and ship propulsion engineers are keen on making a significant breakthrough’, person close to PLA Navy says
• But opting for a nuclear power system would be a ‘bold decision that is full of challenges’, second source says

Published: 6:00am, 13 Mar, 2021

Observers say China’s next aircraft carrier is likely to be nuclear powered. Photo: Reuters

China is building its fourth aircraft carrier as it seeks to boost its naval power in the Asia-Pacific region, and the vessel is “likely to be nuclear powered”, a new report revealed on Saturday, citing sources close to the country’s military.

The South China Morning Post quoted a person close to the Chinese navy as saying that shipbuilders “are keen on making a significant breakthrough” with the construction of the fourth carrier.

“It will be a technological leap for the shipbuilding industry,” the source told the Post.

Another unnamed source also told the publication that Chinese officials are studying a proposal “to use nuclear power for the fourth carrier”.

The person did not say if a final decision was made, but told the Post it would be “a very bold decision that is full of challenges”.

China’s next aircraft carrier ‘likely nuclear powered’

Construction of fourth ship resumed earlier this year after delays as Beijing continues to flex its naval power.

www.aljazeera.com