China’s naval modernization is making waves on the global stage, with the Middlebury Institute of International Studies unveiling a pivotal development: a land-based prototype nuclear reactor in the mountains near Leshan, Sichuan Province.
This effort is reportedly part of a classified initiative known as the Longwei, or Dragon Might, Project. Analysts see this as a major step toward the creation of China’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, a transformative leap in its maritime ambitions.
China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is already the world’s largest navy by ship numbers, boasting a fleet designed to secure its near-seas interests and expanding its reach into far-seas operations. However, China’s existing aircraft carriers—the Liaoning, Shandong, and the recently launched Fujian—are conventionally powered, limiting their operational range and endurance compared to nuclear-powered vessels.
The shift to nuclear propulsion would catapult China’s naval capabilities to a new level. Unlike conventional carriers, nuclear-powered ships can operate indefinitely without refueling, enabling extended deployments and power projection over vast distances. This is particularly significant for Beijing’s strategic goals in contested regions like the Western Pacific and South China Sea.
At the center of this revelation is Base 909, a secluded facility located about 70 miles southwest of Chengdu in Sichuan Province. Managed by the Nuclear Power Institute of China, a subsidiary of the state-owned China National Nuclear Corporation, Base 909 has become a focal point for analysts monitoring China’s naval developments.
Satellite imagery from 2020 to 2023 shows rapid construction activity at the site, including water intake systems, cooling infrastructure, and housing for what researchers believe to be the prototype reactor. These developments are consistent with the requirements for naval propulsion systems, further bolstering the claim that the site is integral to the Longwei Project.
Documents obtained by Middlebury researchers—including environmental impact assessments and procurement records—reveal the acquisition of reactor components explicitly designed for integration into large surface vessels. This aligns closely with China’s Type 004 aircraft carrier program, which is widely speculated to be the first to adopt nuclear propulsion.
China’s focus on nuclear-powered carriers reflects its aspiration to build a true “blue-water” navy. Unlike its current carriers, which rely on fossil fuels, nuclear-powered vessels would provide the PLAN with:
- Unmatched Range and Endurance: Allowing extended operations without the need for refueling.
- Improved Speed and Power: Enabling faster response times and support for advanced systems like electromagnetic launch systems.
- Enhanced Operational Flexibility: Facilitating sustained presence in critical maritime regions far from home ports.
Such advancements would enable Beijing to assert its influence over strategic chokepoints and vital sea lanes, challenging U.S. naval dominance and complicating the security calculations of regional powers like Japan, India, and Australia.
The PLAN has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years, evolving from a coastal defense force into a formidable global player. Its current fleet includes advanced destroyers, frigates, submarines, and amphibious assault ships, all designed to support a wide range of missions.
- The Fujian (Type 003): Launched in 2022, this carrier introduced electromagnetic catapult systems, bringing China closer to the technological level of U.S. Nimitz and Ford-class carriers. However, it remains conventionally powered, limiting its strategic reach.
- The Type 004 Carrier Program: Expected to be the culmination of the Longwei Project, this class of ships will likely integrate nuclear propulsion, significantly enhancing China’s ability to project power across the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
Despite these advancements, the PLAN still lags behind the U.S. Navy in terms of operational experience and the sheer number of aircraft carriers. The U.S. currently operates 11 nuclear-powered carriers, compared to China’s three conventionally powered ones. However, Beijing’s rapid pace of shipbuilding and investment in cutting-edge technologies indicate a long-term vision to bridge this gap.
The potential deployment of a nuclear-powered carrier by China has profound implications for regional and global security.
- The First Island Chain and Beyond: Beijing’s military strategy has long focused on dominating the First Island Chain, a string of territories including Taiwan, the Philippines, and Japan that are seen as vital to China’s security. A nuclear-powered carrier would allow the PLAN to operate beyond this boundary, extending its reach to the Second Island Chain and even into the Indian Ocean.
- South China Sea Dynamics: China has aggressively pursued territorial claims in the South China Sea, constructing artificial islands and deploying military assets to assert its control. A nuclear-powered carrier would significantly bolster its ability to enforce these claims, challenging the freedom of navigation operations conducted by the U.S. and its allies.
- U.S.-China Rivalry: The Pentagon has expressed growing concern over China’s naval advancements, citing them as a direct challenge to U.S. military dominance in the Indo-Pacific. While the U.S. maintains a qualitative edge, the PLAN’s growing capabilities are reshaping the strategic landscape, forcing Washington to rethink its force posture and alliances in the region.
- Regional Arms Race: China’s move toward nuclear-powered carriers could trigger a regional arms race, prompting neighboring countries to enhance their own naval capabilities. Japan has already embarked on a significant military buildup, while India is advancing its carrier program and submarine fleet to counterbalance China’s growing influence.
Building a nuclear-powered carrier is no small feat. It requires advanced reactor technology, extensive safety protocols, and significant investment in maintenance infrastructure. Additionally, operating nuclear-powered vessels demands specialized training for personnel and strict environmental safeguards to prevent potential accidents.
China’s track record in nuclear technology suggests that it has the expertise to overcome these challenges. However, questions remain about how Beijing will manage the environmental and geopolitical risks associated with deploying nuclear-powered ships in contested waters.
