China Confirms Construction of Aircraft Carrier Warship - Fleet Expected By 2020

The Varyag, an aircraft carrier from the Soviet Union,
is being remodeled at China's Dalian Port.

China reveals aircraft carrier plans - FT.com
China has confirmed for the first time that it is preparing to build an aircraft carrier, a move set to heighten international concerns over the rapid expansion of its naval power.

Chinese Aircraft Carrier Buildup- The Significance
The US Defense Department reported in early 2009 that China's PLA Navy "is considering building multiple carriers by 2020".

In 2006, Lt Col Christopher J. Pehrson highlighted the significance of the U.S. aircraft carrier fleet...

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American warships have a combined displacement of 2.86 million tons whereas the PLAN’s combined fleet has a displacement of only 263 thousand tons. Of the world’s 34 aircraft carriers, 24 are U.S. Navy vessels, while China possesses none. This traditional “blue water” navy, centered on the aircraft carrier, is one of America’s greatest military strengths.

Documents Confirm China's Aircraft Carrier Plans
China is believed to be building two 50,000-60,000-ton aircraft carriers at Changxingdao Shipyard, the world's biggest, in Shanghai and is expected to launch one in 2014.

It is also reportedly working on remodeling the 58,500-ton Varyag, an aircraft carrier the former Soviet Union had stopped building, at Dalian Port to launch it in 2012. The country is expected to get a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier by 2020.

The Japanese government's new defense white paper to be published on Friday will reflect worries about China's buildup of maritime power.