Construction photo of China's second aircraft carrier. (Photo from internet)

According to online photos showing the construction of China's second aircraft carrier, workers are already at the stage of attaching the ship's island, which acts as the command center for all flight deck operations. The installation of the island means that nearly all the large-scale equipment is basically finished and in place, and that the ship is close to entering water.

Modern aircraft carriers usually feature the bridge and chimneys on one side of the flight deck, which together resemble an island. However, comparing the island of this new carrier with that of the Liaoning, the island of the new carrier is noticeably smaller. 

During a CCTV interview, military expert Cao Weidong said the construction photos make clear that the design of this carrier differs from the Liaoning in some key respects. Firstly, the new carrier boasts a smaller island, meaning that more space will be available for shipboard aircraft. Secondly, the performance of the carrier's new radar is superior to that of the Liaoning. 

Wu Qian, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, said at a press conference on Aug. 25 that the construction of the first Chinese-made aircraft carrier was moving along quite smoothly. 

According to the CCTV report, compared with the Liaoning, the new carrier will be able to enter active service more quickly. The new carrier's shipborne weapons and electronic equipment will also be the most advanced available.

China's first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, is a refurbished former Soviet Union ship, which the Chinese government purchased from Ukraine.