The Chinese military released a film titled ‘Into the Deep’ on the eve of the 77th anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). It featured three people named Liao Ning, Shan Dong and Fu Jian – the names of three Chinese shippers. However, there was one detail that caught the attention of analysts and social media users. It appeared to offer a new hint about a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.
The Chinese Navy released a seven-minute video with the caption: “On the occasion of its 77th anniversary, the Chinese Navy presents the PLA themed promotional film ‘Into the Deep’.
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“Focusing on the compass as a symbol of faith and honor passed down from generation to generation, the film highlights the Navy’s determination to continue its excellent traditions, preserve its integrity and glory, and tirelessly strive to build a strong, modern Navy,” reads the caption.
What caught the attention of netizens?
The video showed the compass being passed down through generations of officers. First there were three officers and their names matched the names of the three operational aircraft carriers in China – Liao Ning, Shan Dong and Fu Jian.
But there was a fourth character – a 19-year-old recruit named He Jian. This has led to speculation that the figure represents China’s next carrier, which is expected to have hull number 19.
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By convention, carriers are named after provinces. But there is no province named Hejian, the South China Morning Post reported. Instead, “He” sounds like the Chinese word for “nuclear” and “Jian” is the word for “ship”.
The detail further fueled speculation that China’s next aircraft carrier is likely to be nuclear powered.
The social media post read: “The names of the people shown are ‘Liao Ning’, ‘Shan Dong’, ‘Fu Jian’ and ‘He Jian’. Liaoning, Shandong and Fujian happen to be the names of existing PLAN carriers. It is speculated that the fourth (potentially nuclear carrier) will be named ‘He Jian’ or Hejian.”
China has not officially confirmed or denied that a new carrier is being built, but satellite images taken over the past few years indicate the large vessel is under construction at a shipyard in Dalian, a city in the country’s northeast, the SCMP report added.
The images reportedly show the ship to be similar in size to America’s nuclear-powered Gerald R. Ford-class carriers, raising speculation about whether a similar propulsion method will be used.
Another clue: images of the ship taken in February also showed structures that appeared to be nuclear reactor containment vessels.
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Link to Taiwan
Action sequences in the video featured military exercises and strikes in the Pacific. But she also sent a message to Taiwan.
The video also showed an exchange between the naval officer and his son “Xiao Wan”, whose name is an allusion to Taiwan, Reuters reported. China claims self-governing Taiwan as part of its territory, although Taiwan is considered separate.
“I don’t want to go home yet. I want to play a little longer,” says the boy.
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His father replies, “Xiao Wan, don’t be difficult. Mom is waiting for you at home. Let’s go home.”
In an article published in the official People’s Daily, China’s Ministry of Natural Resources called for greater efforts to “protect” the more than 11,000 islands claimed by China.
The vast majority are within 100 km (62 miles) of the coast, with nearly 60% in the East China Sea, about 30% in the South China Sea and the rest in the Bohai and Yellow Seas, an official Chinese tally showed in 2018.
China has built artificial islands, airstrips and military installations during extensive land reclamation efforts over the years in disputed waters in the South China Sea.
