How China could move closer to nuclear-powered aircraft carriers – with Russia’s help
The first Chinese-made icebreaker could test ship-borne nuclear reactors using Russian equipment and Arctic shipping routes
Beijing is expected to use its first home-produced nuclear-powered icebreaker to develop its own nuclear reactors for future aircraft carriers, and its relationship with Russia may help its progress, military experts have said.
The state-owned China National Nuclear Corporation opens public bidding on Thursday for the nuclear-powered icebreaker ship, which will be able to break ice, open up waterways in the Arctic and provide electricity during exploration trips in the polar region.
“The nuclear-powered icebreaker project has benefited from the close joint development of the Northern Sea Route between Beijing and Russia after Moscow prioritised the development of the country’s Arctic zone,” Zhou Chenming, a Beijing-based military expert, said.
“It’s a good beginning, but future development depends on how much nuclear reactor technology Russia is willing to pass to China, and whether those technologies meet Beijing’s requirements.”
Military experts and insiders believe that if nuclear tests on the icebreaker run smoothly, China will use the technology on its next-generation aircraft carrier, the Type 003.
