Beijing, November 11 - China's Fujian aircraft carrier, the pinnacle of Beijing's naval innovation, has officially entered service, marking a transformative leap in the People's Liberation Army Navy's (PLAN) quest for blue-water supremacy. Commissioned on November 5, 2025, at a grand ceremony in Sanya, Hainan province, the 80,000-tonne behemoth was christened under the watchful eye of President Xi Jinping, who inspected its flight deck and hailed its crew as guardians of national sovereignty. This indigenous marvel, launched in June 2022 and rigorously tested through nine sea trials since May 2024, embodies China's unyielding drive toward military self-reliance, outpacing earlier carriers like the ski-jump reliant Liaoning and Shandong. With its sleek, flat-top design spanning 316 meters, the Fujian isn't just a vessel, it's a floating fortress poised to redefine power projection across the Indo-Pacific, from the Taiwan Strait to the contested South China Sea.
At the heart of Fujian's prowess lies its groundbreaking Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), a technology shared only with the U.S. Navy's USS Gerald R. Ford. Powered by a cutting-edge Medium-Voltage Direct Current (MVDC) integrated system, these three catapults hurl aircraft skyward with precision and efficiency unmatched by conventional steam systems, reducing wear on planes and enabling launches of heavier loads for extended missions. Recent trials showcased the carrier's "full-deck operation capability," catapulting the stealthy J-35 fifth-generation fighter, the upgraded J-15T multirole jet, and the KJ-600 airborne early warning aircraft, capabilities that allow simultaneous takeoffs and landings, amplifying sortie rates to potentially 160 flights per day. This electromagnetic catapult aircraft carrier doesn't merely launch planes; it unleashes a symphony of air dominance, integrating advanced arresting gears and two massive starboard elevators for seamless hangar-to-deck transitions.
Fujian's entry into active duty catapults China into an elite echelon, boasting three operational carriers and solidifying its status as the world's largest navy by hull count. Analysts note this milestone accelerates Beijing's "carrier killer" ambitions, enhancing deterrence against U.S. forces while projecting influence deep into the Pacific. Yet, challenges persist: integrating a nascent air wing, mastering complex EMALS reliability, and countering American stealth tactics demand years of refinement. Domestically, the commissioning has ignited national pride, with social media ablaze under hashtags celebrating the "mother of all carriers," underscoring Xi's vision of a "world-class" military by 2035. Globally, it signals escalating Sino-U.S. naval rivalry, urging allies like Japan and Australia to bolster their fleets.
As the Fujian steams into history's waters, it heralds an era where China's advanced aircraft carrier fleet isn't just a symbol of technological triumph but a strategic fulcrum tilting the balance of sea power. In an age of hybrid threats and contested domains, this vessel promises not only to safeguard maritime silk roads but to etch Beijing's indelible mark on the global stage, inviting the world to witness the rise of a dragon unchained by the waves.