Overview
- China formally commissioned the Fujian on Nov. 5 at Sanya, with Xi Jinping in uniform presenting the naval flag on deck and praising the crew.
- Fujian is the country’s first carrier with electromagnetic catapults, enabling heavier takeoff loads and launches of varied aircraft including drones, with catapult training footage released in September.
- A navy spokesman on Nov. 8 said future carrier development will be considered from national defense needs, and reporting indicates planning for a fourth carrier that some suggest could adopt nuclear propulsion.
- The navy described Fujian as symbolizing a leap in capability, designated Sanya as its home port, and said full embarkation of its air wing is progressing and not far off.
- With three carriers, China can rotate mission, training, and maintenance to keep at least one deployed, a shift that supports farther-sea operations even as analysts note integration timelines and conventional power limits.