Is China Building a 4th Aircraft Carrier? Analyzing the Hints from Recent Military Promotions

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Zhang Xiaogang, spokesman for China’s Ministry of National Defense

China stopped short of denying that a recent signal could be interpreted as indicating development of a fourth aircraft carrier. At a regular briefing on the 30th, Zhang Xiaogang, spokesman for China’s Ministry of National Defense, told reporters, “There are a thousand readers and a thousand Hamlets,” and said carrier construction is pursued comprehensively according to security needs and technological progress. He neither confirmed nor dismissed the suggestion.The speculation followed the release of a seven-minute promotional video marking the PLA Navy’s 77th anniversary. State-run Global Times and other outlets argued that the video’s characters connect to the existing carriers Liaoning, Shandong and Fujian. Observers pointed out that the fourth character, identified as “He Zhen,” is portrayed as 19 years old — a detail some read as a reference to the hull numbers 16, 17 and 18 associated with the current carriers. Analysts also noted that the name “He Zhen” is phonetically similar to terminology for a nuclear-powered warship, prompting speculation the footage could be hinting at a next-generation nuclear-powered carrier.Correspondent Bae Sam-jin (baesj@yna.co.kr), Yonhap News TV — For story tips and inquiries: KakaoTalk/Line jebo23