China's most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, has entered service days after a grand commissioning ceremony overseen by Chinese leader Xi Jinping, state media reported.
The Fujian, the country's third aircraft carrier, is equipped with electromagnetic catapults enabling faster plane launches, marking a significant advancement in China's naval capabilities.
Beijing's navy has expanded rapidly, now possessing the largest number of ships globally. This rapid expansion is prompting the United States and its allies to bolster their own naval forces in response.
The Fujian is capable of launching three different types of aircraft thanks to its modernized catapult system and flat deck design. This domestically-built vessel can accommodate heavily armed planes, allowing for extended strike capabilities compared to China’s earlier carriers, Liaoning and Shandong.
During the commissioning ceremony in southern Hainan, Xi personally assessed the ship's features and communicated with sailors deployed on board, reinforcing the government's commitment to naval power. State media hailed the Fujian as a 'major milestone' in Chinese naval development.
The United States remains the only other country with an aircraft carrier featuring the same advanced electromagnetic catapult system, underscoring the Fujian's role in enhancing China’s standing in global maritime affairs.
