China’s Military Ascendancy: A Trifecta of Naval, Nuclear, and Aerial Might in the Shadow of Taiwan

Expected to carry 90-100 aircraft, including cutting-edge J-35 stealth fighters and KJ-600 early warning planes, this Type 004 carrier represents more than just a ship—it’s a symbol of China’s relentless military modernization. As Beijing eyes Taiwan with increasing intensity, this surge in naval, nuclear, and air capabilities signals preparations for potential invasion and confrontation with any opposing forces, reshaping the global balance of power. The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has undergone a transformation of unprecedented scale, evolving from a coastal defense force into the world’s largest navy by hull count. By 2025, the PLAN’s battle force is projected to reach 395 ships, expanding further to 435 by 2030, dwarfing the U.S. Navy’s current fleet of around 290 vessels.

This growth is fueled by China’s shipbuilding prowess, which experts estimate at 200 times that of the United States, allowing Beijing to churn out warships at a “breakneck speed.” The fleet’s composition is equally impressive: modern destroyers like the Type 055, equipped with advanced radars and missiles; stealthy Type 095 nuclear submarines; and amphibious assault ships such as the Type 075, capable of launching helicopters and marines for island-hopping operations. Carrier aviation is taking center stage, with the third carrier, Fujian, already undergoing sea trials featuring electromagnetic launch systems superior in some aspects to U.S. equivalents. Reports suggest China could field six to seven carriers by the early 2030s, enabling blue-water operations far from home shores.