China has officially commissioned its most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, marking a major leap forward in its rapidly expanding naval power and intensifying competition with the United States.
According to state media reports, the Fujian entered active service just days after a grand commissioning ceremony personally overseen by President Xi Jinping in southern Hainan Province.
A Technological Milestone for China’s Navy
The Fujian is China’s third aircraft carrier and the first fully domestically built vessel equipped with electromagnetic catapult technology—a feature previously exclusive to the US Navy. This system allows fighter jets to be launched at higher speeds, carrying heavier fuel and weapons payloads, and striking targets from greater distances.
By contrast, China’s first two carriers — the Liaoning and the Shandong — were built using older Soviet designs and conventional launch systems.
Strategic Implications and Global Response
The introduction of the Fujian marks a defining moment in China’s quest to modernize its military under President Xi. Analysts say the move strengthens Beijing’s long-term goal of asserting dominance in regional waters, particularly across the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait.
With the Fujian’s addition, China now commands the largest navy in the world by number of vessels, placing increasing pressure on the United States and its allies to maintain their technological and strategic edge.
Xi Jinping’s Direct Involvement
During the commissioning ceremony, President Xi reportedly toured the Fujian’s flight deck, receiving a briefing on the ship’s combat readiness and capabilities. State media claimed Xi personally approved the adoption of the electromagnetic catapult system, reflecting his hands-on role in advancing China’s defense modernization.
In a patriotic display, sailors stood in formation along the deck, saluting and chanting:
“Follow the Party’s command, fight to win, and uphold fine conduct!”
A New Era in Naval Power Projection
The Fujian’s advanced design allows it to launch multiple types of aircraft, including stealth fighters, early warning aircraft, and drones, positioning China’s navy as a formidable maritime force capable of long-range power projection.
Military experts describe the ship’s commissioning as a “symbolic and strategic milestone” — signaling Beijing’s growing ambition to rival American naval dominance across the Indo-Pacific.
Source: AlmightyNews
