On June 17, 2022, China launched its third aircraft carrier, the Fujian. The domestically made carrier is equipped with electromagnetic catapults and arresting devices. Commenting on the Fujian, renowned academic Jin Canrong wrote an article expressing his hope that nuclear-powered Type 004 aircraft carrier will be soon inaugurated.
Below are excerpts of his article:[1]
(Source: See MEMRI TV Clip No. 9646, China Unveils Fujian, Its Third Aircraft Carrier Launched In Ten Years, June 17, 2022)
'Fujian Is No Doubt The Most Advanced Conventionally Powered Aircraft Carrier In The World Of Today'
"The official press release does not say whether the Fujian aircraft carrier is nuclear-powered or conventionally diesel-powered. But I personally figure that it is more likely to be conventionally powered, with its full-load displacement of more than 80,000 tons and an electromagnetic catapult launch system. It will also carry fourth-generation carrier-based aircrafts and fixed-wing early warning planes. In terms of not only the tonnage of the aircraft carrier, but also the performance, the quantity, the efficiency of catapult launch system of its carrier-based fighter jets and other aspects of the carrier, the Fujian is no doubt the most advanced conventionally powered aircraft carrier in the world today. Its comprehensive and overall combat capability far surpasses the Liaoning and Shandong, [China's] first and second aircraft carriers. The Chinese navy is getting closer and closer to the day when it will become a world top-notch navy.
"I have read in recent days that some people on the Taiwan Island seem to say that this aircraft carrier is targeted at Taiwan. You people really do not need to be imaginative and sentimental. It does not need a carrier to deal with you. It is aimed to deal with the aircraft carrier battle groups like those of the Nimitz class. Why does it need an Olympic champion to compete with a county-level athlete like you? There is no such a need.
"Of course, the Fujian was only launched today, and there is still a lot of work that need to be done in the future, including outfitting and sea trials. Finally, it will be equipped with combat systems to complete its combat effectiveness. The time it takes to do all of these will definitely not be short. We still have to do these step by step.
"With the launch of the Fujian, I think we can now start to expect a Type 004 aircraft carrier. Will it be nuclear-powered? Will it become a super aircraft carrier like the USS Gerald R. Ford in terms of tonnage? I think these are worth our ex
[1] Mp.weixin.qq.com/s/7xTiD6xGqzoM35ofR5ch2Q, June 17, 2022.
