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China's Nuclear-Powered Aircraft Carrier Challenges US Dominance in Pacific Ocean.
China's rise with its nuclear-powered aircraft carrier raises concerns over US naval dominance in the Pacific. While the Chinese Navy has already established itself in terms of fleet size, it now aims to narrow the technological gap with the United States by equipping its fleet with vessels capable of operating for years without refueling. This development could reshape Pacific geopolitics and strengthen China’s military presence far from its shores.
The Type 003 carrier Fujian is currently undergoing sea trials before being commissioned into service with the PLAN (Picture source: MND)
Currently, the Chinese Navy operates three aircraft carriers: Liaoning, Shandong, and Fujian. Although these ships represent a significant step for China, they are still limited by conventional diesel propulsion, requiring frequent refueling. This dependence poses a major obstacle for a nation seeking to project power beyond Asia and compete with the United States in the Pacific. Unlike Western navies, which benefit from an extensive network of allied bases facilitating refueling, China must rely on at-sea replenishment, an effective solution for short-range operations but one that limits extended deployments.
The introduction of nuclear propulsion into Chinese aircraft carriers marks a major strategic shift. Unlike conventional engines, nuclear reactors allow a warship to operate for decades without refueling, providing unparalleled autonomy. This technology is already employed by the US Navy with its Nimitz- and Ford-class carriers, as well as by France with the Charles de Gaulle. By equipping its future aircraft carriers with nuclear propulsion, China could deploy its fleet well beyond its territorial waters and conduct prolonged operations without logistical constraints.
To achieve this, China's Institute of Nuclear Energy (Base 909) in Sichuan Province is working on developing a nuclear reactor suitable for warships. Unlike the USS Enterprise, which required multiple reactors to power its aircraft carrier, China may opt for a more modern and efficient design inspired by the Bechtel A1B reactors used in the latest US aircraft carriers. While the Fujian, China’s fourth aircraft carrier currently under construction, is not yet equipped with nuclear propulsion, the country appears to be actively preparing for this technological transition.
China’s naval expansion does not stop there. Reports indicate that China is building a Type 004 aircraft carrier, a "supercarrier" that could surpass the US Navy's USS Gerald R. Ford in size. According to satellite imagery and multiple analyses, this vessel could carry more than 100 aircraft and feature electromagnetic catapults, a technology found on the most advanced American aircraft carriers. The commissioning of this ship would not only reinforce China’s power projection capabilities but also demonstrate its intent to challenge US naval forces directly.
The introduction of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers would significantly alter the strategic balance in the Pacific. Currently, US naval dominance in the region is largely based on its ability to operate nuclear-powered carriers. A Chinese equivalent would allow Beijing to extend its reach well beyond its bases, potentially operating in the Indian Ocean, near Guam, or even close to Hawaii. This capability would enhance China's military presence and provide a logistical advantage by reducing reliance on refueling.
However, this development also presents challenges. The construction and maintenance of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers require substantial investments and advanced technological expertise. China must overcome these hurdles before deploying an operational fleet of nuclear-powered vessels. Additionally, such an expansion could heighten tensions with the United States and its allies, who are closely monitoring China's growing military capabilities.
Another key issue is the protection of these large vessels against modern threats, particularly long-range anti-ship missiles. China’s ability to develop advanced defense systems, such as lasers, electronic warfare, and interceptor missiles, will be crucial to ensuring the survivability of its aircraft carriers in potential conflicts. Furthermore, integrating real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance technologies to detect and counter threats will be a major strategic challenge.
Shortly, a Chinese naval strike force equipped with multiple nuclear-powered aircraft carriers could serve as a counterweight to US presence in the Pacific. While China’s navy is currently distinguished more by its fleet size than its technological capabilities, this gap could narrow with the adoption of advanced nuclear technologies. Although the United States still holds a strategic and technological edge, China’s rapid naval advancements highlight its clear ambition to establish itself as a dominant maritime power on the global stage.