China Commissions Most Advanced Aircraft Carrier, the Fujian
China’s most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, officially entered service today, marking a significant milestone in the country’s rapidly modernizing military and its ambitions for naval power projection.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping presided over the commissioning ceremony at a military port in Sanya, on Hainan island, according to state broadcaster CCTV. The 80,000-ton vessel is equipped with electromagnetic catapults – EMALS – a technology previously only deployed on the U.S. Navy’s newest carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford. This allows for the launch of aircraft with heavier payloads and over greater distances, enhancing China’s offensive capabilities. The adoption of EMALS was reportedly a decision made personally by Xi, demonstrating the strategic importance placed on this technological advancement.
The Fujian represents a departure from China’s previous carriers, the Liaoning and Shandong, which utilized a ski-jump style launch system. Its capabilities, including the ability to operate J-35, J-15T, and KJ-600 aircraft, are a key component of China’s broader effort to build the world’s largest navy. While China now possesses a larger number of ships than the U.S., the United States currently maintains a technological advantage, particularly in aircraft carrier size and nuclear propulsion – the Fujian is conventionally powered. You can learn more about the global naval balance of power at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
The commissioning of the Fujian has generated significant national pride within China, trending as a top topic on social media with over 10 million views in a single hour. Despite the advancements, some analysts suggest the Fujian’s operational tempo may initially be lower than that of older U.S. carriers due to flight deck configuration. China is already constructing a fourth carrier, the Type 004, which is expected to be nuclear-powered and further incorporate advanced technologies, as detailed in USNI News reports.
Officials stated that the Fujian will undergo further sea trials and training exercises before entering full operational status, solidifying China’s position as a major aircraft carrier power.
