China’s future aircraft carrier program ‘ depends on national security needs’

China will take national security needs and the development of equipment technology into consideration for the country’s future aircraft carrier program, the Chinese Defense Ministry said on Thursday, after China’s 80,000 ton- class, electromagnetic catapults- equipped third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, was launched earlier this month.

Senior Colonel Tan Kefei, a spokesperson of China’s Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks at a regular press conference when asked if China will build more large aircraft carriers after the Fujian, and if China is changing its defense policy that is defensive in nature. Observers believe that China will have more aircraft carriers in the future if these criteria are applied.

It has been made clear at the NATO summit what kind of security situation China will face in the future, as NATO and the

US are systematically becoming threats to China, leading to continued degradation of China’s surrounding security environment, said Song Zhongping, a Chinese military expert.

From a technology development point of view, China should aim for world- class equipment that can defend itself and safeguard peace, Song said. That means China should have more aircraft carriers, Song said. The US has 11 aircraft carriers, but China will not have an arms race in terms of aircraft carriers with the US.

China’s development and improvement of weapons and equipment are not aimed at any country or specific target, and will not pose a threat to any country and region, as they only serve the purpose of safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests, Tan said.