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China’s 19-Year-Old “He Jian” Hints at New Nuclear Carrier

4/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

PLA Navy released a video featuring 19-year-old He Jian, a homophone of “nuclear vessel,” sparking speculation about a fourth nuclear carrier.
The clip showed drills with a catapult while Pentagon report projected nine carriers by 2035, including the nuclear Type 004 under construction at Dalian.
The report said the Type 004 could weigh 110,000–120,000 tonnes, launch 100 aircraft with catapults, and highlighted father-son dialogue referencing Taiwan, indicating Beijing’s willingness to use force for reunification.

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Story summary

PLA Navy released a video featuring 19-year-old He Jian, a homophone of “nuclear vessel,” sparking speculation about a fourth nuclear carrier.
The clip showed drills with a catapult while Pentagon report projected nine carriers by 2035, including the nuclear Type 004 under construction at Dalian.
The report said the Type 004 could weigh 110,000–120,000 tonnes, launch 100 aircraft with catapults, and highlighted father-son dialogue referencing Taiwan, indicating Beijing’s willingness to use force for reunification.