Satellite images show China working on nuclear propulsion for aircraft carrier

A conventionally powered Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning carries out a dual aircraft carrier formation exercise with the Shandong aircraft carrier, unseen, for the first time in the South China Sea in late October 2024 (Pu Haiyang/Xinhua via AP)

China has built a land-based prototype nuclear reactor for a large surface warship, in the clearest sign yet that Beijing is advancing towards producing its first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

That is according to new analysis of satellite imagery and Chinese government documents provided to The Associated Press.