An undated file photo shows China's first aircraft carrierLiaoning. [Photo for chinadaily.com.cn]

The Ministry of Defense has confirmed that China is building a second aircraft carrier. Zhang Junshe, a researcher at the PLA Naval Military Studies Research Institute, shares his views on the development with China Daily’s Zhang Zhouxiang:

Q: What are the major differences between China’s second aircraft carrier and the first?

A: The hull of China’s first aircraft carrier Liaoning was purchased from Ukraine, although its engine, power distribution system and weapons are all China-made.

The second one will be fully “designed and made in China” and set a milestone in Chinese navy history. The trial and operation of Liaoning have provided precious experiences, which help the designers and engineers to avoid some common problems in the building of an aircraft carrier.

Q: How big will the new aircraft carrier be? And why will it use conventional instead of nuclear power?

A: Middle sized. Aircraft carriers can be divided into four categories according to their tonnage. China’s new aircraft carrier will displace about 50,000 tons of water without loading and possibly 60,000 tons when fully loaded, which makes it a mid-sized aircraft carrier.

Building a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier involves many concerns: security, preventing nuclear leaks and the replacement of the nuclear reactor after it expires in 15 years. China has technologies to use nuclear power in submarines, but it needs more research to do so in an aircraft carrier.

Q: Is a second aircraft carrier necessary for China? How many does China need?

A: Yes, because one aircraft carrier is not enough to meet the defense needs of a large country like China. Aircraft carriers have to undergo regular checks and trials, and some times even repairs. Therefore, a country like China theoretically needs at least three aircraft carriers to ensure one is always in operation. For example, neighboring India has three aircraft carriers.

As a country with 1.3 billion people, more than 18,000 kilometers of coastlines, about 3 million square km of maritime territory and increasing overseas interests, China certainly needs three aircraft carriers. Those hyping up the “China threat” theory need to look at China’s reality.