For a couple of days, already circulating on some blog and media in here on articles based on Chinese sources that by period of 2030-35, PLAN will have four Nuclear Carriers (which mean Type 003). While the conventional one, the type 002 will be build only one as transition CATOBAR carrier to Nuclear powered Type 003.
From what I read on Chinese online sources and media, they plan to used modified reactor design from the one being used in Type 094 SSBN.
Well, French also used modified SSBN reactor design on Charles de Gaule. And that's what my problem in believing on That 4 nuclear powered carriers by 2030-35.
French have problem in integration of that SSBN reactor based to their carrier. Even after sort it out, if not mistaken, it still considered bit underpowered.
Now, I don't have enough info and the reliability of type 094 reactors. However with the amount of patrols that still less than contemporary US, UK, French, and Russian SSBN, raised a question for me on the reliability of the reactor.
They should rely more on this type 002, build couple more, before goes to type 003 after a decade on successfully operating type 002 CATOBAR carriers. Thus give time on developing more realizable reactors for a 'Nimitz' size carriers that this Type 003 plan to be.
Despite their fast pace on development, PLAN so far seems only build proven design in big numbers. This talk on building and operating 4 Type 003 nuclear carriers with just around slightly more than a decade, seems not in line with more conventional progressing path that PLAN do so far.
On the topic of Liaoning transfered to Pakistan...If what those Chinese analysts statement can be used as cue on what PLAN planning for carriers force.. Then they don't really need Liaoning for much longer.
Despite my reservation on believing they will able on operating the first Type 003 Catobar Carriers by some time in mid 2020's (if they plan to stick on schedule of 4 type 003 in 2030-35 period)..if they somehow manage to do that..the type 001A and 002 will be used at their trial and transition Carriers.
Thus the type 001/Liaoning.. if based on that schedule, can be released after Type 001A and Type 002 fully operational within 2-5 years period. Not 2020 as the article mentioned, but somewhere between 2023-25.
Again this based on assumption that their Type 002 is successful as Catobar Carriers, and they have developed reliable reactors as propulsion for their Type 003 on schedule.
The question is..can Pakistan afford operating Liaoning ? It might be not as USN standard..but still can match India's modified ex Russian carrier, and that much delayed domestically build Italian design Carrier.