Bangkok — Recent analysis of satellite imagery and Chinese government documents reveals that China has developed a land-based prototype nuclear reactor for a large surface warship, signaling a significant advancement in its aspirations to produce a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. This study conducted by the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in California is the first to provide confirmation of China’s endeavor towards a nuclear propulsion system suitable for a carrier-sized ship, amid longstanding speculation regarding its military capabilities.
The significance of China’s ambition to create nuclear-powered aircraft carriers is considerable. As the largest naval force globally, China has been rapidly modernizing its fleet. The introduction of nuclear-powered carriers would signify a major enhancement, allowing the naval forces to attain a “blue-water” capability, enabling them to operate far from their shores, which could pose a growing challenge to U.S. naval dominance.
Nuclear-powered carriers, while taking longer to construct than conventional ones, provide the advantage of prolonged missions due to their refueling independence. They have greater capacity for fuel and munitions, thus extending their operational capabilities significantly. Currently, only the United States and France operate nuclear-powered carriers, with the U.S. boasting 11 vessels that facilitate global strike group deployments, particularly within the Indo-Pacific region.
The Pentagon is increasingly wary of the rapid enhancement of China’s naval capabilities, which includes the development of new aircraft carriers. Presently, China operates three carriers, the latest being the Type 003 Fujian, which is notable for being the first carrier entirely designed and built in China. There are reports of a fourth carrier being under construction, although its type—whether nuclear or conventional—has yet to be publicly confirmed.
According to the Defense Department’s latest report to Congress, this modernization effort aligns with China’s heightened commitment to maritime operations and its expanding requirements for naval deployments at greater distances from the Chinese mainland.
The research conducted by Middlebury initially focused on a mountainous region near Leshan in Sichuan, raising suspicions that China might build a reactor to produce materials for weapons. However, their analysis concluded that a prototype nuclear reactor for a large warship is in development. This conclusion stems from a comprehensive review of satellite images, project tenders, personnel records, and environmental assessments.
The prototype reactor is located in a newly established facility known as Base 909, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Nuclear Power Institute of China. Additionally, the procurement of reactor equipment by China’s 701 Institute—responsible for aircraft carrier development—along with the project’s designation for national defense purposes, led researchers to believe that this reactor is indeed intended for a next-generation aircraft carrier.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has prioritized building a “first-class” navy, emphasizing maritime strength as an element of his national rejuvenation strategy. The 2019 national defense white paper indicated an operational shift for the Chinese navy, moving from near-seas defense to far-seas protection missions.
Even prior to the commencement of sea trials for the Fujian carrier, political commissar Yuan Huazhi confirmed that work on a fourth carrier was already underway. When enquired about its potential to be nuclear-powered, he stated that an announcement would be forthcoming, but no such declaration has been made as of yet.
Neither the Defense Ministry nor the Foreign Affairs Ministry in China has commented on recent inquiries regarding the fourth carrier. Experts postulate that even if the new vessel under construction turns out to be a conventionally powered Type 003, Chinese shipyards possess the capabilities to concurrently develop multiple carriers, potentially including a nuclear-powered edition.