As China expands its military capabilities, Beijing has also added another naval platform to its fleet. China’s fourth aircraft carrier the Type 004 has been constructed by Shanghai’s Jiangnan shipyard, according to a report by South China Morning Post (SCMP).
Beijing has been strengthening its overall military might against its primary military opponent the US in the Indo-Pacific region. With the induction of China’s fourth aircraft carrier, China-observers foresee a growing maritime challenge to the US naval dominance in the Indo-Pacific region. Experts are of the view that the naval vessel could be nuclear-powered. Which means that the aircraft carrier could operate at sea for extensive periods and be fitted with power-intensive weaponry. This would allow China to enhance its presence in the international waters.
The Type 004 aircraft carrier is being compared with the US’s Nimitz-class carriers, one of the largest warships in the world. Experts further highlight that the deployment of Type 004 is Beijing’s attempt to target Taiwan and counter the power dynamics of the region.
As the Chinese interest in the region increases, its naval strategy goes beyond its immediate maritime zone. This in turn challenges India’s maritime dynamics and requires it to boost its maritime power in the region. Southeast Asian analysts explain that the tension in the Indo-Pacific region could push China’s neighbours to strengthen their bilateral ties. India could play a central part in this equation as it is being seen as a growing leader of the global south and an alternative to Chinese hegemony in the Indian Ocean region.
Currently, only the US and France have nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. China’s recent military developments are towards modernising its blue water capabilities. China endeavours to achieve a world-class military power status by 2049.
Team Bharatshakti
