How many aircraft carriers does China currently have?

China currently possesses two operational aircraft carriers, with a third under construction and expected to be launched soon. The first carrier, the Liaoning, was commissioned in 2012 and represents the first step in China's shift towards a more capable naval force. The second carrier, the Shandong, was commissioned in December 2019 and is China's first domestically built carrier, showcasing advancements in indigenous shipbuilding capabilities.

The third carrier, which some might consider when discussing current capabilities, is under construction and reflects China's ambitions to increase its blue-water naval power. While it's common for assessments of military capabilities to consider future planned assets, the most accurate count, based on current operational status, is two. Thus, the answer indicating three does not accurately reflect the number of carriers presently operational.