Chinese President Xi Jinping visited the Fujian aircraft carrier during an inspection in Hainan Province on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in China's naval modernization efforts. The Fujian, China's third aircraft carrier and the first domestically designed, features advanced electromagnetic catapults — a technology previously mastered by only a handful of nations.
The visit underscores Beijing's commitment to enhancing its maritime capabilities amid evolving regional security dynamics. Analysts note the electromagnetic catapult system allows for faster, more efficient aircraft launches compared to traditional systems, potentially expanding the carrier's operational range and versatility.
While state media emphasized the inspection as part of routine military development, international observers are closely monitoring the Fujian's progress as it undergoes mooring tests. The carrier's eventual deployment could reshape naval power balances in Asia, particularly in strategically vital waterways.
This development comes as multiple Asia-Pacific nations accelerate their own naval modernization programs, creating both challenges and opportunities for regional stability and economic security.
