A New Supercarrier Emerges. Tracking China’s Fourth Aircraft Carrier

(Matthew P. Funaiole, Brian Hart, Aidan Powers-Riggs, and Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. – Center for Strategic & International Studies) At the Dalian Shipyard in northern China, construction is underway on China’s fourth aircraft carrier. Speculation about the vessel, known as the Type 004, is widespread, but many details pertaining to its size, propulsion, and capabilities remain unclear. The pace of the fourth carrier’s construction is impressive. In less than a year, prefabricated hull components that first appeared in a Dalian dry dock in early 2025 have been assembled into a clearly recognizable hull—highlighting the speed and scale of China’s maritime industrial base. – Tracking China’s Fourth Aircraft Carrier