On April 26, 2017, a historic day for China, the nation's first domestically built aircraft carrier finally left the dock and was officially baptized by the sea. This moment marked a significant milestone in China’s naval development, symbolizing its growing maritime power and technological advancement.
After the completion of the 001A aircraft carrier, following successful sea trials, acceptance, and delivery to the navy, it will join the Liaoning as the core of China’s “dual-carrier era.†This development signals that the Chinese navy is on the path to becoming a modern force with aircraft carriers at its strategic heart. The arrival of the 001A not only enhances operational readiness but also represents a new chapter in China’s military capabilities.
However, just days before this major event, on the 86th anniversary of the “September 18th†Incident, Japanese media highlighted a different story. A Japanese citizen, Sakaguchi Ken, was arrested in Dalian on September 18, 2017, for suspected espionage activities against China. The Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed the arrest, emphasizing that the case was handled in accordance with legal procedures and the Sino-Japanese Consular Agreement.
Dalian, a key military port city, has been in the spotlight since the launch of China’s first domestic aircraft carrier earlier that year. Some Japanese media speculated that the suspect might have been involved in intelligence gathering related to military operations, though no official details were released.
Since 2015, at least 12 Japanese nationals have been detained in China for alleged espionage. In March 2017, six individuals were arrested in Shandong and Hainan under the guise of exploring hot springs, later found to be conducting illegal surveys. Four were released and returned to Japan, while the remaining eight remained in custody, with five facing prosecution.
Meanwhile, Chinese naval forces were preparing for the second phase of the Sino-Russian “Sea Joint-2017†exercise, which took place in Vladivostok from September 18 to 26. The drills involved the Sea of Japan and the southern waters of the Sea of Okhotsk, highlighting the deepening military cooperation between the two nations.
The significance of China’s dual-carrier formation lies in the establishment of a standing aircraft carrier battle group. While the Liaoning serves primarily as a training ship, the 001A will provide operational readiness, allowing China to maintain a fully functional carrier group year-round. This capability sends a strong message: “Our aircraft carrier is here!â€
With the 001A in service, the Chinese navy can now practice “double-carrier battle group†tactics—something the U.S. military has long mastered. Coordinating multiple carriers requires careful planning, including aircraft takeoff sequences and mission allocation. As China gains experience, it will be able to perform more complex operations and strengthen its regional deterrence.
There are ongoing discussions about where the 001A will be deployed. Some believe it could be stationed in the South China Sea to counter potential regional tensions. With geopolitical shifts in Northeast Asia, the South China Sea remains a critical area for China’s strategic interests. The presence of an aircraft carrier would serve as a powerful deterrent against any attempts to challenge China’s sovereignty.
Looking ahead, China aims to become a two-ocean navy, with the South China Sea acting as a gateway to both the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Ensuring stability in this region is crucial for China’s long-term security.
While the current dual-carrier setup is a major step forward, it still falls short of the ideal “one active, one standby, one in maintenance†structure seen in top-tier carrier nations. This means China’s next aircraft carrier project will be closely watched. Discussions about nuclear propulsion and electromagnetic catapults continue, with some believing the 002 may adopt these advanced technologies.
However, China’s approach appears cautious. Rather than rushing into untested technology, the country is likely to follow a gradual development path, ensuring reliability and safety. As a newcomer to the carrier world, China must balance ambition with practicality.
Despite its progress, China still has a long way to go compared to traditional carrier powers like the United States. The U.S. Navy has relied on aircraft carriers for decades, using them in every major conflict since World War II. Even during peacetime, U.S. carriers remain a powerful strategic asset.
Compared to the U.S., the UK, France, and even India, China’s carrier experience is limited. India, for instance, has operated two carriers for decades, gaining valuable operational expertise. For now, China remains a relative newcomer to the carrier club.
But the journey has only just begun. The phrase “a hundred-year navy†reflects the long-term nature of naval development. Every step taken today lays the foundation for a stronger, more capable fleet in the future.
China’s first domestically built aircraft carrier is more than a technical achievement—it’s a symbol of national pride and a promise of future strength. It’s a great start, and the road ahead is long, but the direction is clear.
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