China has officially commissioned its third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, marking a significant milestone in its naval modernization efforts. The ceremony, held in Sanya on Hainan Island, was attended by President Xi Jinping, underscoring the strategic importance of the vessel. The Fujian is China’s first domestically designed and built aircraft carrier, representing a leap forward in its military capabilities. Equipped with an electromagnetic launch system, the Fujian can deploy advanced aircraft, including the J-35 stealth fighter and KJ-600 early warning plane, enhancing its operational range and versatility. This development aligns with China’s broader goal of transforming its navy into a “blue-water” force capable of projecting power far beyond its coastal waters. Experts suggest that the Fujian could play a pivotal role in China’s ambitions to contest control over the Second Island Chain in the Pacific, including areas near Guam. While China’s naval expansion is seen as a challenge to U.S. dominance, it still lags behind in key areas such as nuclear-powered carriers and overseas base networks. Nevertheless, the Fujian symbolizes China’s growing military prowess and its intent to reshape the international order.
China commissions new aircraft carrier as it seeks to extend power far from its coast
