China's first aircraft carrier, which was renovated from an old aircraft carrier that China bought from Ukraine in 1998, is seen docked at Dalian Port, in Dalian, Liaoning province September 22, 2012. Stringer/Reuters

Zachary Keck, National Interest: Confirmed: China Is Building 2nd Aircraft Carrier

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is building its second aircraft carrier, several senior Chinese military officials have confirmed, a Hong Kong daily is reporting.

On Monday, Taiwan Focus News Channel cited the Chinese-language The Hong Kong Commercial Daily in reporting that China has begun work on its second aircraft carrier, which will have a more advanced launch system the one currently used on China’s only aircraft carrier, the Liaoning.

According to Taiwan Focus News Channel, the initial report cited Liu Xiaojiang, the former political commissioner of the PLA Navy, as saying that the “government's industrial and manufacturing agencies are now in charge of the ship's construction.” The report also cited Ding Haichun, who was promoted to the position of deputy political commissioner of the PLA Navy back in January, as confirming that China’s second aircraft carrier is under construction.

WNU Editor: It looks like other countries are interested in knowing what are China's aircraft carrier plans .... China jails two for selling military secrets, including details of aircraft carrier (Reuters).

More News On Reports That China Is Building A 2nd Aircraft Carrier

China reportedly building 2nd aircraft carrier -- Focus Taiwan
Chinese officials just confirmed they're building a second aircraft carrier -- Business Insider
China media confirm second aircraft carrier -- Financial Times
PLA official confirms 2nd aircraft carrier under construction -- Want China Times
The Truth About China's Aircraft Carriers: The hype surrounding Chinese aircraft carriers disregards PLAN budget realities. -- Greg Austin, The Diplomat