We always consider aircraft carrier construction comprehensively based on national security needs and the development of equipment and technology, said Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson of China's Ministry of National Defense at a press conference on Thursday, in response to speculation that a new recruit named “He Jian” appearing in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy’s latest promotional video may signal the imminent arrival of China’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

The name “He Jian” is a homophone of “nuclear vessel” in Chinese, which refers to a nuclear-powered warship.

Regarding the promotional video itself, Zhang added with a touch of literary flair. “As the saying goes, there are a thousand Hamlets in a thousand people’s eyes.”