China Commissions Fujian, Its Most Advanced Aircraft Carrier

China has officially commissioned its most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, marking a major milestone in the country’s rapid naval expansion. The launch comes days after a high-profile ceremony in Hainan province, attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who toured the ship and met the crew.

The Fujian is a technological leap forward for Beijing’s navy. Unlike China’s first two carriers, the Liaoning and Shandong, which were largely built with Russian designs, the Fujian is fully domestically constructed and equipped with an electromagnetic catapult system. This allows aircraft to take off at higher speeds, enabling them to carry heavier weapons and fuel, thus striking targets at longer distances.

State media reports highlight that the Fujian can operate three different types of aircraft from its flat flight deck. The vessel’s advanced launch technology and expanded capabilities make it more versatile and potent than its predecessors. Experts note that only the United States operates carriers with similar electromagnetic catapults, putting China in an elite global category.

The commissioning ceremony itself was a show of military pride. Sailors lined the deck and dock, saluting and shouting in unison: “Follow the party's command, fight to win, and uphold fine conduct!” According to reports, Xi personally decided to adopt the electromagnetic catapult technology, emphasizing China’s commitment to modernizing its fleet.

China’s navy has grown rapidly in recent years, with the Fujian representing both a symbolic and practical step forward. Analysts say the carrier strengthens Beijing’s ability to project power in regional waters, creating strategic challenges for the United States and its allies.