China aircraft carrier news

Here are some recent news articles and updates about China's aircraft carrier program:

Latest Developments:

• China's third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, is expected to be commissioned in 2023, according to a report by the South China Morning Post. The Fujian is a Type 003 carrier, which is expected to be more advanced than China's previous carriers, the Liaoning and the Shandong.
• China has been conducting sea trials with its second aircraft carrier, the Shandong, which was commissioned in December 2019. The Shandong is a Type 002 carrier, which is similar to the Liaoning but with some upgrades.
• China has also been developing a new generation of fighter jets, including the J-35 and the J-20, which are expected to be used on its aircraft carriers.

Recent News Articles:

• "China's third aircraft carrier, Fujian, to be commissioned in 2023" (South China Morning Post, October 2022)
• "China's Shandong aircraft carrier conducts sea trials" (Global Times, September 2022)
• "China's aircraft carrier program: A game-changer for the PLA Navy?" (The Diplomat, August 2022)
• "China's J-35 fighter jet makes maiden flight" (China Daily, July 2022)
• "China's J-20 fighter jet to be used on aircraft carriers" (Global Times, June 2022)

Background:

• China's aircraft carrier program began in the 1990s, with the acquisition of the Soviet-era aircraft carrier Varyag from Ukraine.
• China's first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, was commissioned in 2012 and is a modified version of the Varyag.
• China's second aircraft carrier, the Shandong, was commissioned in 2019 and is a domestically built carrier.
• China's third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, is expected to be more advanced than its predecessors, with a more advanced propulsion system and a larger flight deck.

Implications:

• China's aircraft carrier program is seen as a significant development in the country's military modernization efforts, and is expected to give the PLA Navy greater capabilities in terms of power projection and sea control.
• The program is also seen as a response to the growing military presence of the United States in the Asia-Pacific region, and is expected to contribute to the regional balance of power.
• However, the program has also raised concerns among some countries in the region, including Japan and South Korea, which have expressed concerns about China's military expansion.