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Dalian shipyard in China where Type 004 aircraft carrier is being built.

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A New Supercarrier Emerges

China’s fourth aircraft carrier is rapidly taking shape at Dalian Shipyard. Satellite imagery reveals a vessel likely to be larger and more advanced than its predecessors, with evidence suggesting it may be China’s first nuclear-powered carrier.

Digital Feature by Matthew P. Funaiole, Brian Hart, Aidan Powers-Riggs, and Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. — May 21, 2026

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A New Supercarrier Emerges

China’s fourth aircraft carrier is rapidly taking shape at Dalian Shipyard. Satellite imagery reveals a vessel likely to be larger and more advanced than its predecessors, with evidence suggesting it may be China’s first nuclear-powered carrier.

Digital Feature by Matthew P. Funaiole, Brian Hart, Aidan Powers-Riggs, and Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. — May 21, 2026

Is the United States Prepared for a War with China?

Despite recent progress, the U.S. military would face serious challenges fighting a protracted war with China because of a lack of long-range munitions, air defense systems, and unmanned systems, along with vulnerable bases and critical infrastructure in the Indo-Pacific.

Brief by Seth G. Jones — May 12, 2026

The AI Escalation Danger Trump and Xi Must Address

As Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping meet in Beijing on May 14–15 to discuss the future of U.S.-China AI cooperation, concerns are growing over escalatory tendencies in models like DeepSeek. Common AI benchmarking may offer a path toward safer development.

Commentary by Benjamin Jensen and Yasir Atalan — May 12, 2026

The Other China Flash Point

When imagining how the U.S.-Chinese relationship might devolve into war, experts often cite Taiwan as the most obvious flash point. In Foreign Affairs, Henrietta Levin argues that, like Taiwan, the South China Sea could spark a U.S.-China war.

Commentary by Henrietta Levin — April 24, 2026

How China and Russia Can Exploit the Iran War

In Foreign Affairs, Jon B. Alterman and Ali Vaez argue China and Russia can exploit an Iran war by letting the U.S. bear the costs. They gain influence and advance strategic aims while avoiding direct conflict.

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman and Ali Vaez — April 23, 2026

The Purges Within China’s Military Are Even Deeper Than You Think

This CSIS China Power report is based on a groundbreaking dataset of Chinese military purges since 2022. The report sheds light on the unprecedented scope and reach of these purges and their implications for the PLA’s present and future.

Commentary by CSIS Scholars — February 24, 2026

Lights Out? Wargaming a Chinese Blockade of Taiwan

This report analyzes the operational challenges of implementing and countering a blockade with a series of 23 wargames. It proposes policy changes to better deter a blockade and to cope with one should it occur.

Event — July 31, 2025