Fujian, China’s newest and most advanced aircraft carrier, has been officially commissioned, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s growing naval ambitions.
The ceremony, overseen by President Xi Jinping in Hainan Province, underscores Beijing’s determination to rival U.S. maritime power.
The Fujian is China’s third aircraft carrier but the first to be fully domestically built. It features electromagnetic catapult technology—similar to that used on the U.S. Navy’s latest carriers—allowing aircraft to launch with greater speed, range, and heavier payloads.
State media described the vessel as a “milestone” in China’s naval modernization, capable of deploying multiple types of combat aircraft for long-range missions.
The 80,000-ton warship joins the Liaoning and Shandong, which were based on older Russian designs. Its advanced systems signal China’s growing capability to project power beyond its shores amid tensions in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait.
During the commissioning, Xi toured the deck and addressed sailors who pledged loyalty to the Communist Party.
Reports suggest Xi personally approved the carrier’s advanced design, reflecting his direct influence on China’s military buildup as the country continues its race with the United States for naval dominance.
