Nuclear power not the best option for China's next aircraft carrier: expert

Cao Weidong, a Chinese military expert told state-run Beijing Television that China should not build its first domestic aircraft carrier as a nuclear-powered vessel since the nation does not have the technology to operate it.

During the interview, Cao said that it is better for China to construct an aircraft carrier for the People's Liberation Army Navy with a displacement of 60,000 tons.

Since a light aircraft carrier cannot carry as many aircraft, Cao suggested that China's new aircraft carrier should at least be a medium-sized vessel like the Liaoning, China's first carrier introduced from Ukraine. However, a medium-size carrier can only carry 30 aircraft on board.

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