Story perspectives

China Set to Expand Aircraft Carrier Fleet to Nine by 2035

12/25/2025

Center

China Expands Carriers

China plans to expand its aircraft carrier fleet to nine by 2035, including six new carriers, per a Pentagon report.
China currently operates three carriers.
The United States maintains 11 carriers.
The Type 004, expected to be China's first nuclear-powered carrier, is under construction.
Satellite imagery indicates Fujian and Liaoning may conduct joint training, with officials saying the moves are not aimed at any country.

Right

Navy Strengthens Deterrence

The U.S. Navy has deployed two aircraft carriers, the USS Abraham Lincoln and the USS George Washington, to the Western Pacific amid rising tensions with China.
The deployment signals deterrence, with both carriers capable of rapid response and sustained presence.
The amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli enhances U.S. regional capabilities.
China is expanding its naval fleet and developing advanced anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) systems, including hypersonic missiles.

History

Historical Context

In 1980, amid escalating Cold War tensions, the U.S. Navy expanded its fleet to counter the Soviet military, increasing its aircraft carriers to 12. This initiative was part of the broader "600-ship Navy" strategy under President Reagan, aimed at enhancing naval capabilities. Today, as China plans to grow its carrier fleet to nine by 2035, the U.S. maintains 11 carriers, highlighting ongoing military competition.

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China Expands Carriers

China plans to expand its aircraft carrier fleet to nine by 2035, including six new carriers, per a Pentagon report.
China currently operates three carriers.
The United States maintains 11 carriers.
The Type 004, expected to be China's first nuclear-powered carrier, is under construction.
Satellite imagery indicates Fujian and Liaoning may conduct joint training, with officials saying the moves are not aimed at any country.

1 / 3