China's most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, has entered service days after a grand commissioning ceremony overseen by Chinese leader Xi Jinping, state media reported. The Fujian, the country's third warship, is equipped with electromagnetic catapults that allow for faster plane launches, marking a significant step forward for Beijing, which now boasts the world's largest navy by ship count. This rapid naval expansion under Xi's leadership is exerting pressure on the United States and its allies to keep pace.
The Fujian can launch three types of aircraft with its electromagnetic catapult and flat flight deck, according to state media. This domestically-built vessel is capable of carrying aircraft with heavier armaments and fuel, allowing for strikes against targets from greater distances, thus surpassing China's earlier carriers, the Liaoning and Shandong, which were built in collaboration with Russia.
The state media hailed the Fujian's launch as a major milestone in the modern history of China's navy. Notably, the US is the only other nation that has equipped an aircraft carrier with a similar electromagnetic catapult system. During the commissioning ceremony in southern Hainan province, Xi toured the vessel to learn about its operational capabilities. Reports indicated that Xi had a key role in the decision to utilize electromagnetic catapult technology.
As Xi interacted with sailors during the ceremony, they collectively saluted and shouted instructions, emphasizing their commitment to party leadership and military readiness.
The Fujian can launch three types of aircraft with its electromagnetic catapult and flat flight deck, according to state media. This domestically-built vessel is capable of carrying aircraft with heavier armaments and fuel, allowing for strikes against targets from greater distances, thus surpassing China's earlier carriers, the Liaoning and Shandong, which were built in collaboration with Russia.
The state media hailed the Fujian's launch as a major milestone in the modern history of China's navy. Notably, the US is the only other nation that has equipped an aircraft carrier with a similar electromagnetic catapult system. During the commissioning ceremony in southern Hainan province, Xi toured the vessel to learn about its operational capabilities. Reports indicated that Xi had a key role in the decision to utilize electromagnetic catapult technology.
As Xi interacted with sailors during the ceremony, they collectively saluted and shouted instructions, emphasizing their commitment to party leadership and military readiness.
