China aims to triple its aircraft carrier fleet.

A recent Department of Defense report reveals that China plans to triple its current fleet to nine aircraft carriers by 2035, marking the largest naval buildup in the Indo-Pacific since World War II. The expansion is centered on advanced technology, such as the electromagnetic catapults on the new super carrier Fujian, which allow for heavier payloads and longer-range missions. This rapid modernization, which includes the development of nuclear-powered vessels and dual-carrier drills, aims to challenge U.S. naval dominance and strengthen China's ability to conduct blockade operations around Taiwan.