Global

Satellite Evidence and Documents Point to China’s Nuclear Aircraft Carrier Project

China has developed a land-based prototype nuclear reactor intended for a large surface warship, signalling significant progress towards creating its first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, according to recent reports.

The Chinese navy, already the largest in the world by number, has been swiftly modernising its fleet. The addition of nuclear-powered carriers would mark a significant milestone in its quest for a formidable “blue-water” navy, capable of extended operations far from home waters, increasingly challenging U.S. naval dominance globally.

“Nuclear-powered carriers would place China in the exclusive ranks of first-class naval powers, a group currently limited to the United States and France,” remarked Tong Zhao, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, D.C. “For China’s leadership, such a development would symbolize national prestige, fuelling domestic nationalism and elevating the country’s global image as a leading power.”

Researchers at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in California made this discovery while examining a mountain site near Leshan in Sichuan province. Initially, they suspected the site was for building a reactor to produce plutonium or tritium for weapons. However, they concluded that the site is for a prototype reactor for a large warship. This project, known as the Longwei (Dragon Might) Project, is also referred to in documents as the Nuclear Power Development Project.

Frances Ibiefo

Follow us on:

Frances Ibiefo

Recent Posts

Edo Governor Appoints Arise News Anchor Suleiman Aledeh MD of Edo Broadcasting Service

Edo Governor Okpebholo has appointed Arise News’ Suleiman Aledeh as MD of Edo Broadcasting Service,…

5 hours ago

Philippine Vice President Publicly Threatens President With Assassination

The Philippine vice president Duterte has made a public threat to have the president assassinated,…

15 hours ago

Laos Government Pledges Justice in Fatal Alcohol Poisoning Case That Claimed Six Tourists’ Lives

The Laos government has vowed to deliver justice following an alcohol poisoning incident that tragically…

15 hours ago

Freeman Mbowe, Other Tanzanian Opposition Leaders Arrested

Chadema party chairman Freeman Mbowe and other Tanzanian leaders have been detained for allegedly violating…

16 hours ago

Deadly Israeli Missile Strike Eight-Storey Building in Beirut

An Israeli airstrike in Beirut has killed four, injured over 20, and flattened an eight-storey…

16 hours ago

Trump Nominates Bessent To Lead US Treasury

Trump has nominated Wall Street financier Scott Bessent as Treasury Secretary, emphasising his expertise in…

16 hours ago