Citing social media posts with photos and satellite imagery of the Type 004 under construction, it said the hull featured what appeared to be a reactor containment structure, a “key indicator” of the propulsion system.

01:34

China’s most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, enters service

China’s most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, enters service

“Certainly, the structure is broadly similar to that which is found in US nuclear-powered supercarriers, and there is a general consensus that what we can see here is related to the future installation of a nuclear reactor,” the report said.

Although the report also did not rule out the possibility that the vessel being built could be a test ship or module, the images are among the first outward signs that China may be working to build its next aircraft carrier to be equipped with nuclear-powered propulsion.

A report by state broadcaster CCTV last week cited a Chinese expert who said Beijing might build nuclear-powered aircraft carriers in the future.

Compared to conventional aircraft carriers, which use steam turbines and diesel generators, nuclear-powered aircraft carriers offer virtually unlimited range and sustained high speed thanks to nuclear reactors that do not require refuelling.

The enhanced endurance allows them to support more extended deployments and greater operational flexibility, making them vital assets for power projection towards blue waters.