Captain Zhang Wei stood on the bridge of a Chinese destroyer, watching two massive silhouettes cutting through the waters near Japan. For the first time in naval history, two Chinese aircraft carriers were operating together in these contested waters. His grandfather had served on fishing boats in these same seas, never imagining that one day China would project power here with floating airfields the size of small cities.
That moment, captured in military reports earlier this year, represents more than just naval exercises. It signals China’s transformation from a coastal defense force to a blue-water navy with global ambitions.
According to new Pentagon assessments, China aircraft carriers will soon number nine by 2035, fundamentally reshaping naval power balances from the South China Sea to the Indian Ocean. This isn’t just about military hardware – it’s about Beijing’s determination to stand as an equal to American naval dominance.
From Casino Ship to Naval Powerhouse
China’s carrier journey began with what might be history’s most elaborate naval deception. In the late 1990s, a Chinese company purchased the rusting hull of the Soviet carrier Varyag from Ukraine, claiming it would become a floating casino in Macau.
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That “casino ship” never saw a single poker game. Instead, it was quietly towed to Chinese shipyards, completely rebuilt, and emerged in 2012 as the Liaoning – China’s first operational aircraft carrier.
“The Varyag purchase was brilliant strategic thinking disguised as commercial tourism,” explains naval analyst Dr. Sarah Chen. “China bought itself a decade of carrier experience while everyone thought they were building a tourist attraction.”
The Liaoning uses a ski-jump configuration where fighter jets launch from an angled ramp. Within a few years, China built its second carrier, the Shandong, using domestic shipbuilding capabilities. Both ships proved that Chinese naval engineering had matured rapidly.
But the real game-changer arrived with the third carrier, Fujian. At 80,000 tonnes and over 300 meters long, it features electromagnetic catapults similar to America’s most advanced carriers. This technology allows heavier aircraft with more fuel and weapons to launch from the deck.
The Nine-Carrier Plan Takes Shape
Pentagon reports now reveal China’s ambitious timeline for expanding its carrier fleet. The numbers tell a striking story of naval expansion:
- Three carriers currently operational or in final testing
- Two additional carriers under construction at Chinese shipyards
- Four more planned for completion by 2035
- Each new carrier expected to be larger and more capable than predecessors
- Focus shifting from regional defense to global power projection
| Carrier Name | Status | Launch System | Expected Deployment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liaoning | Operational | Ski-jump | 2012 |
| Shandong | Operational | Ski-jump | 2019 |
| Fujian | Sea trials | Electromagnetic catapult | 2024 |
| Type 003 #2 | Under construction | Electromagnetic catapult | 2027 |
| Future carriers | Planned | Advanced systems | 2028-2035 |
“China is building carriers faster than any nation since World War II,” notes retired Admiral James Morrison. “They’re not just copying American designs – they’re innovating with nuclear propulsion plans and advanced radar systems.”
The construction timeline reveals China’s shipbuilding advantages. While American carriers take 7-10 years to build, Chinese shipyards are completing hulls in 4-6 years. This speed comes from massive industrial capacity and centralized decision-making.
What Nine Carriers Really Means
Nine aircraft carriers would put China in an exclusive club. Currently, only the United States operates more than three carriers, with eleven in active service. Britain, France, India, and Italy each operate one or two carriers.
But raw numbers only tell part of the story. China aircraft carriers will likely focus on different mission profiles than American super-carriers.
Regional specialists believe Chinese carriers will primarily secure sea lanes vital to Beijing’s economy. The South China Sea, where $3.5 trillion in trade passes annually, tops the priority list. Control of these waters could influence global commerce.
The Indian Ocean presents another strategic target. China imports 80% of its oil through this region, making carrier protection of shipping lanes a national security priority. A permanent carrier presence could challenge traditional Western naval dominance.
“Chinese carriers aren’t meant to fight American super-carriers head-to-head,” explains maritime security expert Dr. Lisa Park. “They’re designed to control key chokepoints and protect Chinese interests where American forces might not intervene.”
Ripple Effects Across the Pacific
Allied nations are taking notice. Japan recently announced plans to convert its helicopter carriers into fixed-wing aircraft platforms. South Korea is considering its own carrier program. Australia has strengthened naval cooperation agreements with the United States.
Taiwan represents the most immediate flashpoint. Nine Chinese carriers could provide overwhelming air cover for any potential military operation, fundamentally altering the strategic equation.
Economic implications extend beyond military concerns. Shipping insurance rates in disputed waters could rise as naval tensions increase. Supply chains might shift routes to avoid potential conflict zones.
“Every new Chinese carrier changes the conversation in corporate boardrooms,” says trade analyst Michael Roberts. “Companies are already planning alternative supply routes that don’t depend on contested sea lanes.”
The timeline also matters for alliance planning. If China achieves nine operational carriers by 2035, Western navies will need coordinated responses. Joint exercises and shared intelligence become more critical as the balance of power shifts.
For ordinary people, these developments might seem distant. But naval power influences everything from gas prices to smartphone costs. Control of shipping routes affects global supply chains that deliver everyday goods.
China’s carrier expansion represents more than military modernization – it signals a fundamental shift in how Beijing sees its role in the world. From a defensive mindset focused on coastal protection, China is embracing global power projection capabilities that rival traditional naval powers.
FAQs
How many aircraft carriers does China currently have?
China currently operates two aircraft carriers (Liaoning and Shandong) with a third (Fujian) undergoing sea trials.
How do Chinese carriers compare to American super-carriers?
Chinese carriers are generally smaller than US super-carriers but feature modern technology like electromagnetic catapults on newer vessels.
Why does China want so many aircraft carriers?
China seeks to protect vital shipping lanes, secure regional waters like the South China Sea, and project power globally to match its economic influence.
Could Chinese carriers challenge US naval dominance?
While nine carriers would be significant, the US Navy’s eleven super-carriers plus extensive support fleets maintain overall advantages in power projection capabilities.
What countries are most affected by China’s carrier expansion?
Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asian nations face the most direct impact, while India and Australia are adjusting their naval strategies accordingly.
When will China complete its nine-carrier fleet?
According to Pentagon assessments, China aims to achieve nine operational aircraft carriers by 2035, with steady construction continuing through the 2020s and 2030s.