Chinese military analysts were quoted by Global Times on November 28 as saying the development of four or more aircraft carriers is only natural in order to satisfy China's burgeoning national security needs.  The comments followed a report in the South China Morning Post (November 28) which said China is planning a fourth aircraft carrier in 2021. Asked to comment on these media reports, Ren Guoqiang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, told Global Times that China's carrier development was a strategic decision. He added that future development will depend on economic growth, national security threats and national defense needs. A Chinese military expert who did not disclose his name told Global Times that Ren's remarks could be seen as an indication that new carriers are planned. Separately, the state-owned China Central Television reported this month that the third carrier is under construction at Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai.