Chinese President Xi Jinping presided over the historic commissioning of China's third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, during a ceremony at a naval port in Sanya, Hainan Province. The vessel represents a significant technological leap as China's first carrier equipped with electromagnetic catapults – a system enabling more efficient aircraft launches compared to traditional steam-powered mechanisms.
Xi inspected the domestically developed carrier and attended the flag-presenting ceremony, underscoring Beijing's commitment to modernizing its naval capabilities. The Fujian, named after the coastal province opposite Taiwan across the strait, was first launched in June 2022 following years of research and development.
Analysts suggest the advanced catapult technology could enhance operational efficiency and aircraft payload capacity, potentially altering regional security dynamics. The commissioning comes amid heightened focus on maritime capabilities across Asia, with several nations investing in naval modernization programs.
