China Commissions Advanced Fujian Aircraft Carrier, Expanding Naval Reach
China has officially commissioned its newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, after a series of extensive sea trials, a move that signals Beijing’s ambition to project military power far beyond its own coastline. The ceremony took place at a naval base on Hainan Island and was attended by President Xi Jinping, highlighting the ship’s significance in China’s broader military modernization plans. The Fujian is China’s third aircraft carrier and notably the first to be both designed and built entirely by the country, marking a major milestone in its efforts to develop a world-class navy.
Experts describe the Fujian as a key asset in China’s strategy to close the gap with the United States’ navy. Its commissioning is seen as part of Xi Jinping’s sweeping military reforms aimed at building a modernized force by 2035 and one capable of competing globally by mid-century. The carrier enhances China’s ability to project power across the Indo-Pacific, especially in regions like the South China Sea, East China Sea, and areas beyond the so-called First Island Chain, stretching to Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines. Its capabilities also extend toward the Second Island Chain, where U.S. military bases on Guam and elsewhere are located, providing China with a strategic presence far from home waters.
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The Fujian represents a leap forward in technology compared to China’s previous carriers. While the Liaoning and Shandong relied on older ski-jump launch systems, the Fujian uses an advanced electromagnetic catapult system similar to those on the U.S. Ford-class carriers. This allows heavier aircraft to take off fully loaded, including early warning planes and stealth fighters, giving the carrier a full-deck operational capability. With onboard reconnaissance aircraft, the Fujian can operate independently without relying on land-based support, significantly extending the range and effectiveness of China’s naval aviation.
Despite these advancements, analysts note that China’s navy still lags behind the United States in several areas. The U.S. operates 11 nuclear-powered carriers, which can remain at sea indefinitely, while China’s carriers are conventionally powered and therefore have more limited operational range. The U.S. also has a superior network of overseas bases and larger fleets of missile-equipped destroyers, cruisers, and submarines. However, China is rapidly closing the gap, expanding its fleet and developing nuclear propulsion for future carriers while continuing to build other modern vessels at an unprecedented pace.
The announcement of the Fujian’s commissioning has sparked concern in neighboring countries, particularly Japan, which views China’s rapid military buildup with caution. Analysts also note the strategic implications regarding Taiwan, as the carrier could enhance China’s ability to project power in the region and challenge U.S. naval operations. Still, some experts caution that showcasing advanced equipment does not always equate to full operational readiness, given that China has not engaged in a major conflict since 1979.
Overall, the Fujian aircraft carrier embodies China’s ambition to strengthen its global naval presence, advance its military capabilities, and assert itself as a major power on the international stage. Its commissioning is a clear signal that China intends to operate not just near its shores, but in distant oceans, reflecting a broader strategic vision for its growing maritime influence.
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