China emerges as global leader in advanced vessel construction

China has launched its first domestically built electromagnetic catapult-equipped aircraft carrier, the Fujian, completed and put into operation its first large homegrown cruise ship, the Adora Magic City, and become a global leader in the construction of large liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers.

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An aerial drone photo taken on April 6, 2025 shows Adora Magic City berthing at the Qingdao International Cruise Terminal in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province.

(Xinhua/Li Ziheng)

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (20212025), China became the world's only country capable of fully constructing all three major types of high-end vessels: aircraft carriers, large cruise ships, and large LNG carriers, collectively known as the "Three Pearls on the Crown" of shipbuilding.

China's shipbuilding industry has demonstrated comprehensive, world-class strength in building ultra-large, high-tech and high-value-added vessels.

Liu Ersen, deputy director of a research center at China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), pointed out three factors underpinning this achievement: innovation-driven development, clustered development, and coordinated industrial development.