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China’s third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, officially entered service following a ceremony this week marking its transfer to the navy, according to state media. This milestone is a significant part of President Xi Jinping’s effort to modernize China’s military. The event took place at a naval port in Hainan, a southern island province, attended by Xi himself and over 2,000 personnel from the navy and carrier construction units. The atmosphere was described as grand and enthusiastic, with Xi participating in a tour of the vessel and inspecting its combat capabilities, including its electromagnetic catapult system—an advanced technology that enables larger payloads to be launched more efficiently than traditional steam-powered systems. The only other carrier equipped with EMALS is the USS Gerald R. Ford.
The Fujian joins China’s fleet alongside the Liaoning, the oldest carrier commissioned in 2012, and the Shandong, which came into service in 2019. Analysts note the Fujian features more sophisticated take-off systems, signaling a leap forward in Chinese naval aviation capabilities. Following successful sea trials, the vessel now joins China’s active carriers.
During the ceremony, footage showed Xi and top leaders observing the launch and control of the carrier, highlighting its strategic importance. The ship recently conducted a transit through the Taiwan Strait—an area sensitive due to its proximity to Taiwan and territorial disputes in the South China Sea—serving as a potential show of force aimed at rivals and regional neighbors. Videos also surfaced of aircraft, including China’s fifth-generation J-35 stealth fighters, taking off and landing aboard the ship. China’s state media heralded the Fujian as a groundbreaking development in their carrier program and a key milestone in navy modernization efforts.
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