China builds Type 004 at Dalian, possibly 1st nuclear carrier
World
China is moving quickly on its new Type 004 aircraft carrier, which could be its first to run on nuclear power.
Built at the Dalian Shipyard, this ship is designed to be even bigger and more advanced than US Nimitz-class carriers.
It's all part of China's push to have nine carriers by 2035, letting them operate farther out in places like the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific.
Type 004 322 meters expected 2027
By October 2026, the Type 004 had already reached a huge 322 meters in length.
It's expected to launch in 2027, which could coincide with the centenary of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), which falls on August 1.
The carrier will likely feature an electromagnetic launch system for faster jet takeoffs and hints of a nuclear reactor for long-range missions.