Satellite Photos Capture China Expanding Strategic Aircraft Carrier Base

Open-source satellite imagery appears to show that China is expanding one of its naval bases that hosts an aircraft carrier, as it seeks to challenge United States naval dominance.

Newsweek has reached out to the Chinese Defense Ministry for comment by email.

Why It Matters

China has the largest navy in the world by hull count, according to a Pentagon assessment. China has a fleet of more than 370 ships and submarines, which includes two aircraft carriers in active service. The United States possesses 11 operational aircraft carriers.

In this image provided by the Chinese military on October 31, China's navy conducts dual aircraft carrier operations for the first time in South China Sea in late October. The operations involved aircraft carriers CNS Shandong, front left, and CNS Liaoning, front right. Chinese military© Chinese military

China is undergoing a rapid naval buildup to expand its military reach and presence and has conducted "very significant construction programs" of related infrastructure for its fleet over the last 10 to 15 years, Australia-based naval analyst Alex Luck told Newsweek.

"A closer look at the rate and type of expansion [of Chinese naval infrastructure], added facilities and total berthing space allows us to make educated assessments as to what sort of naval forces China intends to deploy from what locations," he explained.

What To Know

According to a Chinese military observer, who requested anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the topic, the expansion of Yuchi Naval Base in Qingdao in northeastern China, which is home to the country's first aircraft carrier CNS Liaoning, has begun to take shape.

A satellite image captured on Wednesday shows that at least four new piers are being built when compared with a year ago. These include three narrow piers, which are 131 feet wide and will possibly be primarily used to berth the Chinese destroyer fleet, the observer said.

The remaining pier under construction, which is 328 feet wide, could be used by larger ships such as aircraft carriers and supply ships.

  Continue reading