China's Newest Aircraft Carrier Rivals US Counterparts in Size

Military

Published: July 16, 2024 3:43 pm

The recent NATO summit at the White House served to address the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe as Russia and Ukraine are still in a hot conflict. The summit also addressed the fact that China and Belarus were conducting military drills near the Polish border. China has been ascendant in its military power in recent decades, and NATO is concerned that this show of force might be indicative of something greater.

One way that China has grown militarily in recent years is through its Navy. Specifically, expanding its power through the South China Sea and even further, China’s dominance of the region has only risen as its naval fleet and air force have reached incredible heights. (These are seven ways China could attempt to invade Taiwan.)

The newest addition to China’s Navy will be the Fujian aircraft carrier, which is one of the biggest ships in the world. Although it is still in the sea trials phase, it is looking to join the rest of the fleet soon. Unlike the other aircraft carriers in China’s Navy, the Fujian is made entirely from Chinese engineering and is looking to be the crown jewel of the fleet.

Here, 24/7 Wall St. is taking a closer look at China’s naval might. To identify the ships and submarines of the People’s Liberation Army, 24/7 Wall St. referenced the military data site World Directory of Modern Military Warships’ directory of all active ships in China. The ship and submarine classes are ranked alphabetically. Any ships on order were excluded, as are smaller patrol vessels, mine countermeasures, and smaller amphibious assault ships. We included supplemental information regarding the type of vessel and examples of it.

With a median hull age of just over 14 years, China’s Navy controls a military force consisting of relatively newer vessels. According to WDMMW, the country has produced the equivalent of a Royal Navy fleet each year, all toward its goal of overtaking the U.S. in naval power.

Each of these vessels serve to expand China’s naval power throughout the region, and then even further. (These are the nations where China is investing the most money.)

Here is a closer look at the warships and submarines in China’s Navy:

Why Are We Covering This?

Understanding China’s Navy gives context to their modernization effort and geopolitical standing. Knowing which specific warships and submarines China employs also helps to understand their operational capacity when using these vessels.