China’s largest aircraft carrier enters service in key milestone for naval ambitions

China’s third and most advanced aircraft carrier entered active service on Nov 5, a milestone in the Chinese navy’s ambition to become a “blue water” force that can project power in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

- Lim Min Zhang China Correspondent

Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the commissioning ceremony for the Fujian and inspected the ship at Hainan island’s Sanya naval base, the official news agency Xinhua reported on Nov 7.

A published photo showed Mr Xi presenting a military flag to the Fujian’s captain and its political commissar. Mr Cai Qi, Mr Xi’s chief of staff, and Vice-Premier Zhang Gu-ogqing also attended the commissioning ceremony.

Newly promoted vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission Zhang Shengmin presided over the event.

Globally, the 80,000 tonne Fujian is the third-largest class of aircraft carrier in service, behind the United States’ Nimitzand Ford-class carriers, which displace more than 100,000 tonnes.

The US Navy has 11 aircraft carriers in active service.

The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) operates two other aircraft carriers, the Liaoning and Shandong. Both displace around 50,000 tonnes and use a “ski jump” to launch fixed-wing aircraft.

In contrast, the biggest advancement of the conventionally powered Fujian is in its use of electromagnetic catapult technology, which allows heavier aircraft to be launched. The US is the only other country to use such technology on its carriers.