Recently reports have surfaced that China is beginning construction on a second aircraft carrier. Beijing’s current flattop, the Liaoning, was molded out of an abandon Soviet hull that has quite a history. If reports, which are based on pictures (see to the left) posted in Chinese military forums, are accurate, China's newest vessel will be the first domestically designed carrier — an important milestone.
Truth be told, such a move has long been expected. Over the last several decades China has purchased various decommissioned carriers in an apparent attempt to understand the complex engineering and technological aspects needed to master this important floating symbol of power. Indeed, various reports have circulated for the last several years that such carriers were in the offing.
While such news is important, the vessel is a decade or so from being a true factor in Asia’s security scene.The pictures that are circulating online also seem to raise more questions than answers. Will the carrier be powered conventionally or by nuclear means? How many jets will it carry? Will such jets be stealthy 5th generation fighters? Is there a third carrier being built…and so on.
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