China Commissions Third Aircraft Carrier, Expanding Naval Reach

China officially commissioned its third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, yesterday at a naval base on Hainan Island, marking a significant step in the country’s ambition to become a global naval power.

The Fujian is the first aircraft carrier fully designed and built in China, representing a major advancement in the nation’s shipbuilding capabilities. Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the commissioning ceremony, according to state news agency Xinhua. The vessel utilizes an electromagnetic launch system – a technology currently only found on the newest U.S. Navy Ford-class carriers – allowing for more frequent and versatile aircraft launches. This development is occurring as China continues to modernize its military, aiming for a “world class” force by 2035.

Experts say the new carrier will enable China to project power further from its shores and potentially challenge U.S. naval dominance in the Indo-Pacific region. “Carriers are key to Chinese leadership’s vision of China as a great power with a blue-water navy,” explained Greg Poling, director of the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. The Fujian’s capabilities, including the ability to launch advanced aircraft like the J-35 stealth fighter, could extend China’s strategic perimeter and enhance its domain awareness, according to Brian Hart, deputy director of CSIS’s China Power Project. Japan expressed wariness over the commissioning, with Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara stating it underscores China’s “extensively and rapidly strengthening” military power.

While China’s naval expansion is rapidly progressing, it still lags behind the United States in several areas, including the number of carriers and nuclear propulsion technology. However, the pace of China’s shipbuilding is outpacing the U.S., and the Fujian represents a substantial leap forward in its capabilities. Officials indicated that the carrier will be used for training and missions in distant oceans, reflecting China’s growing global interests and its desire to establish a stronger presence on the world stage, as detailed in the Pentagon’s latest report to Congress.

Chinese officials stated the Fujian will play a crucial role in safeguarding national interests and maintaining regional stability, while further sea trials and operational deployments are expected in the coming months.