China has made significant progress toward building its first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier by developing a land-based prototype nuclear reactor. This marks a major step in China’s ambition to expand its naval capabilities and challenge U.S. dominance in global maritime power.
The reactor, located at a site in Sichuan province, is intended to power large warships, with satellite images and government documents confirming the development of this advanced propulsion system. This comes as China modernizes its already vast navy, seeking to establish a “blue-water” force capable of operating globally, far from its shores.
Currently, China’s navy is the world’s largest by ship numbers, but nuclear-powered carriers would elevate its naval strength to match that of other leading powers like the U.S. and France. This new development symbolizes China’s desire for greater international influence and military prestige, aligning with President Xi Jinping’s goal of building a “first-class” navy.
The reactor is part of the Longwei (Dragon Might) project, hidden in a mountain facility and managed by China’s Nuclear Power Institute. Researchers found evidence that the reactor is designed specifically for naval use, drawing parallels with technologies used by the U.S. Navy. While the exact timeline for launching a nuclear-powered carrier remains unclear, this research strengthens the likelihood of China joining the exclusive club of nations with nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.
If successful, the development of a nuclear-powered carrier would significantly enhance China’s strategic reach, allowing it to operate further into the Pacific and beyond, intensifying its competition with the U.S. military.
China Daily, Defense News, South China Morning Post, The Guardian, BBC News, Reuters
