According to Chinese local media, China started construction of its third aircraft carrier at a Shanghai shipyard last year. 

Reportedly, the shipyard is still working on the carrier’s hull, which is expected to take about two years. The vessel will have a displacement of about 80 thousand tonnes and will be equipped with an advanced launch system.

China currently operates only one aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, a repurposed Soviet ship the country bought from Ukraine that went into service in 2012. The country will also commission a second carrier later this year, a Type 001A platform designed and built by China. This will be the third aircraft carrier of the country who plans to have four aircraft carrier battle groups in service by 2030.