The Fujian entered service on November 5 with a commissioning ceremony in Sanya, Hainan province, presided over by President Xi Jinping. Its debut makes China only the second country to operate a carrier with electromagnetic catapults. The technology provides aircraft with additional thrust, allowing more frequent launches and at higher speeds from a shorter distance. Planes taking off from Fujian can carry higher payloads, including more fuel and munitions.
The only other carrier with the aircraft launch system is the US Navy’s nuclear-powered USS Gerald R. Ford. Fujian enters service as the world’s largest conventionally powered warship. It was also the latest example of China’s remarkable pace of military modernisation.
Challenges still loom large after the Fujian’s commissioning. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) must now train technicians, sailors and commanders to ensure operational readiness. Past performance indicates it will continue making steady progress.
In a world where so many supply chains are anchored in China, Beijing’s defence goals arguably align with global interests. Even American military planners must be aware that the same supply chains factor into many of their own modernisation plans. Beijing’s overall military strength, however, is clearly not on a par with Washington’s. The PLA aims to ensure it has enough capability to win a conflict in the region and defend national interests.
