China is advancing its naval capabilities with the construction of its fourth aircraft carrier, the Type 004, at the Dalian shipyard, featuring nuclear propulsion that promises unlimited operational range and enhanced endurance. This development, part of China’s strategy to close the maritime capability gap with the United States, includes advanced systems like dual electromagnetic catapults to support modern stealth fighters and drones. The ongoing modernization reflects Beijing’s ambitions for greater blue-water naval power, raising concerns for regional security, particularly as India closely monitors these advancements. The implications of this strategic shift are significant, potentially altering power dynamics in the Indo-Pacific and challenging established naval superiority.