Key Points
• China commissions its most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, into active service
• The launch underscores Beijing’s drive to build a blue-water navy capable of global operations
• Fujian features an electromagnetic catapult launch system and modern propulsion
ISLAMABAD: China has officially commissioned its newest and most advanced aircraft carrier, Fujian, marking a pivotal step in its effort to modernise the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and expand its maritime reach across the Indo-Pacific.
The carrier, named after the southeastern province opposite Taiwan, was placed into active service following extensive sea trials.
State media reported that Fujian’s induction was celebrated at a ceremony attended by senior Communist Party and military officials, highlighting the vessel’s role as a symbol of China’s technological progress and strategic determination.
With a displacement exceeding 80,000 tonnes, the Fujian rivals modern Western carriers in size and capability. It is equipped with an electromagnetic catapult system (EMALS)—a first for any non-US carrier—allowing it to launch heavier, more advanced aircraft with greater speed and efficiency. Unlike traditional ski-jump or steam catapult systems, EMALS uses electromagnetic energy to accelerate aircraft smoothly along the deck, reducing structural stress on airframes and enabling quicker sortie rates. This technology enhances the carrier’s ability to support sustained air operations, giving the PLAN a level of operational flexibility previously beyond its reach.
Military analysts say Fujian’s entry into service marks a transition in China’s naval ambitions from coastal defence to global power projection. “This ship represents China’s intent to operate far beyond its shores,” said Collin Koh, a Singapore-based maritime security expert. “It signals that Beijing seeks sustained presence and deterrence capabilities in key maritime corridors.”
The Fujian joins China’s existing carriers, Liaoning and Shandong, both of which trace their lineage to Soviet-era designs. In contrast, the Fujian represents China’s first fully home-built carrier, a milestone that underscores the maturity of its shipbuilding industry and advances in indigenous naval technology.
The commissioning coincides with heightened regional tensions. The United States and its allies have increased patrols in the South China Sea, while Beijing has intensified military exercises near Taiwan. Analysts warn that the Fujian’s operational deployment will likely add new complexity to these flashpoints, as it enhances China’s capacity to enforce its maritime claims and conduct sustained air operations close to contested territories. Some regional observers view the carrier’s readiness as a strategic message to Washington and Taipei that Beijing’s deterrence posture is rapidly evolving.
China’s Defence Ministry said the Fujian will enhance “combat readiness, deterrence, and joint operational capability” within the country’s expanding naval theatre. The vessel is expected to undergo further operational training before full deployment, including exercises integrating its air wing and escort vessels.
Looking ahead, Chinese shipyards are already working on a next-generation aircraft carrier, widely expected to be nuclear-powered, which would allow for longer deployments and reduce the need for refuelling at sea. Other advancements under development include improved carrier-based aircraft, stealth drones, and enhanced command-and-control networks designed to support China’s vision of a modern, blue-water navy capable of competing with the United States on the global stage.
The induction of the Fujian cements China’s position as the world’s second-largest aircraft carrier operator, reinforcing its maritime aspirations and reshaping the regional balance of power in the Indo-Pacific.
