How Many Aircraft Carriers Does The China Have

So, imagine this: you’re scrolling through your phone at 2 a.m., and you stumble on a grainy video of a massive ship sailing through contested waters. The caption screams, “China’s NEW Supercarrier SHOCKS the World!” You pause, coffee in hand, and think: Wait, how many of these things do they actually have? It’s a fair question, my friend—and one that’s more tangled than a bowl of noodles. Let’s unravel it together.

First, a quick reality check: China’s navy, the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), has been on a building spree that would make a LEGO enthusiast jealous. As of right now, they have two operational aircraft carriers: the Liaoning and the Shandong. The Liaoning is the old hand—bought second-hand from Ukraine in 1998, refitted, and commissioned in 2012. Think of it as that reliable but slightly clunky car you inherited from your uncle.

Then there’s the Shandong, China’s first domestically built carrier, which joined the fleet in 2019. She’s bigger, sleeker, and bristling with Chinese-made electronics. But here’s the kicker: neither of these ships uses nuclear power or steam catapults. They rely on a “ski-jump” ramp to launch jets—a bit like using a ramp to launch a skateboard instead of a slingshot. It works, but it limits what they can do.

The Third Wheel: The Fujian

Now, hold your horses, because the Chinese navy isn’t stopping there. They’ve got a third carrier, the Fujian, which is currently undergoing sea trials and should be operational by 2025 or 2026. This one’s a game-changer: it’s exact same size as a U.S. supercarrier, but with a twist—China finally figured out electromagnetic catapults. That’s the same tech the U.S. uses on its newest Ford-class carriers.

Picture this: you’re at a barbecue, and your neighbor shows up with a grill that can sear a steak in 30 seconds. That’s the Fujian compared to the Liaoning. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves—the Fujian still uses conventional power (oil, not nuclear), which means it needs to refuel every few days. The U.S. Navy’s Nimitz-class can run for 20 years on a single nuclear core. Subtle difference, right?

What About the Rumors of More?

Here comes the fun part: Chinese state media and military watchers love to whisper about four or five carriers by the end of the decade. The PLAN has openly stated it wants at least four carrier strike groups to project power in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. There’s even chatter about a fourth carrier, possibly named after a province like Jiangsu or Guangdong, already being built in Shanghai.

But let’s be real—building a carrier is like raising a teenager: expensive, time-consuming, and full of surprises. It takes China about six to eight years per ship, while the U.S. can churn one out in four. So, while the long-term goal is five or six, the immediate answer to “How many does China have?” is two operational, one almost ready, and maybe one more in the works.

Now, you might be wondering: Why does this matter to me, sipping my espresso in a café? Well, carriers are the ultimate status symbol for navies—the equivalent of a diamond-encrusted hoodie. They let a country launch airstrikes, enforce blockades, and show the flag thousands of miles from home. China’s current lineup can’t rival the U.S.’s 11 nuclear-powered behemoths, but they’re closing the gap faster than a raccoon on a trash can.

The Joke’s on You (and Me)

Here’s the ironic part: while we obsess over the number, China’s carriers are still learning to walk. Their pilots have less flight experience than U.S. or French crews. Their carrier-based fleet, the J-15 “Flying Shark,” is a copy of a Russian design from the 1980s. And without nuclear power, their carriers can’t loiter as long near a hotspot. So, yes, they have three carriers (sort of), but quantity doesn’t equal quality—yet.

To sum it up for your next dinner party: China has two fully operational carriers (Liaoning and Shandong), one nearly ready (Fujian), and plans for more. But don’t let the numbers fool you—each ship is a stepping stone, not a leap. The real story is the race, not the finish line. And if you ask me, we’re all just spectators holding popcorn, watching history chug along like a rusty fishing trawler—with better camouflage.

So, next time you see that 2 a.m. video, just nod, smile, and remember: it’s not about how many carriers you have; it’s about how many you can actually use to fix a broken helicopter at sea. (Spoiler: that’s still a problem for everyone.)