China speeds up building aircraft carriers but will PLA sailors be trained for hi-tech ships in time?

A floating dock and the expansion of Jiangnan Shipyard will boost China’s commercial and military shipbuilding capacity

The accelerated construction comes as China faces both traditional and non-traditional security challenges, says analyst

Reading Time:3 minutes

Artist’s impression of the new facilities at Jiangnan Shipyard. Photo: Handout

Published: 6:00am, 5 Jan 2021Updated: 10:47am, 5 Jan 2021

A Chinese shipbuilder has stepped up construction of two new-generation aircraft carriers, while the People’s Liberation Army is accelerating its training programme to meet the needs of the hi-tech warships when they launch.

Two independent military sources told the South China Morning Post that the keel laying would start early this year for its fourth aircraft carrier. Work on its sister ship, the Type 002, has already started, and both ships will be equipped with the most advanced electromagnetic catapult launchers.

Construction work on the fourth giant ship had been postponed because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the associated economic slowdown and some technical problems, the sources said.

“The navy bought and prepared all the special steel for the fourth ship last year, with work on some vessel components being started,” said one of the sources, who requested anonymity.

The latest online reports show China is increasing the hardware build-up to support its aircraft carrier projects, including a giant floating platform and a new shipyard.