China Commissions Advanced Aircraft Carrier Fujian to Enhance Naval Reach

China has officially commissioned its third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, following extensive sea trials. The commissioning ceremony took place at a naval base on Hainan Island, attended by President Xi Jinping. The Fujian is the first carrier designed and built entirely by China, featuring advanced electromagnetic catapults that enable the launch of heavier and more sophisticated aircraft, such as the J-35 stealth fighter and KJ-600 early-warning planes. This development signifies a major advancement in China's naval capabilities, allowing for extended operations beyond its immediate coastal waters. Analysts note that while the Fujian enhances China's ability to project power, it still lags behind the United States in terms of the number of carriers and global operational reach. The commissioning of the Fujian is part of China's broader strategy to modernize its military and expand its influence in the Indo-Pacific region.