Satellite images, documents indicate China working on nuclear propulsion

Beijing is advancing toward producing its first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

China has built a land-based prototype nuclear reactor for a large surface warship, in the clearest sign yet Beijing is advancing toward producing its first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, according to a new analysis of satellite imagery and Chinese government documents.

China's navy is already the world's largest numerically, and it has been rapidly modernising. Adding nuclear-powered carriers to its fleet would be a major step in realising its ambitions for a true "blue-water" force capable of operating in seas far from China in a growing global challenge to the United States.