Key facts
- China's fourth aircraft carrier is believed to be nuclear-powered.
- A launch in 2027 would coincide with the People's Liberation Army centenary.
New images suggest that China's fourth aircraft carrier, widely believed to be the nation's first nuclear-powered vessel, could be launched as early as 2027. US researchers have indicated this timeline, which aligns with the centenary of the People's Liberation Army on August 1, 2027. Beijing has a history of using major military anniversaries to showcase advancements in its armed forces.