China Commissions Fujian, Its Most Advanced Aircraft Carrier
The catapult-equipped carrier makes China the second nation to field EMALS, as South China Sea tensions persist.
The People's Liberation Army Navy has commissioned the Fujian aircraft carrier at a ceremony in Shanghai, making China only the second country after the United States to operate a carrier with an electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS). Displacing about 80,000 tonnes at full load, the Fujian marks a major step in China's blue-water naval capability.
The commissioning follows a period of heightened maritime tension in the South China Sea and has drawn close attention across the Indo-Pacific.
Key Highlights
- The Fujian is China's third and most advanced aircraft carrier.
- It is the first Chinese carrier with an electromagnetic catapult (EMALS).
- It displaces roughly 80,000 tonnes at full load.
- The catapult lets it launch heavier, better-armed and support aircraft.
- Japan, Australia and the Philippines voiced concern over the pace of expansion.
Why the Catapult Matters
The electromagnetic catapult — developed by Chinese institutions after the United States declined to sell the technology — lets the Fujian launch heavier aircraft with more fuel and weapons than the ski-jump ramps on China's first two carriers, the Liaoning and the Shandong.
In carrier terms, this is the shift from STOBAR (ski-jump) to CATOBAR (catapult-assisted) operations. Analysts believe the Fujian can now operate the full range of Chinese carrier aircraft, including airborne early-warning and electronic-warfare platforms the older ships could not support.
China's three carriers
| Carrier | Launch system | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Liaoning | Ski-jump (STOBAR) | Refit of a former Soviet hull; commissioned 2012 |
| Shandong | Ski-jump (STOBAR) | First domestically built; commissioned 2019 |
| Fujian | Catapult / EMALS (CATOBAR) | Most advanced; about 80,000 tonnes |
Regional Security Implications
The commissioning follows repeated confrontations between Philippine and Chinese coast-guard vessels near contested reefs. Japan, Australia and the Philippines have all expressed concern about the pace of China's naval expansion and its impact on freedom of navigation.
India has watched closely given Chinese activity in the Indian Ocean. India already operates the domestically built INS Vikrant and has a second indigenous carrier, INS Vishal, in advanced planning — reflecting a doctrine that treats carrier aviation as essential for power projection across the region.
US Response and Alliance Dynamics
US Indo-Pacific Command called the commissioning “a development we have anticipated and are prepared for,” citing exercises with regional partners. The Quad grouping — India, the United States, Japan and Australia — has deepened maritime-domain-awareness cooperation, including a satellite-based ship-tracking data-sharing arrangement.
Analysts debate whether the carrier reflects immediate intent or long-range capability building, with many noting China's Taiwan focus requires different assets than blue-water carrier groups. Either way, they say, the capability reshapes the regional balance for decades. The development sits alongside other global security shifts, including the fragile Israel-Hamas ceasefire.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Fujian?
China's third and most advanced aircraft carrier, the first with an electromagnetic catapult.
Why is EMALS significant?
It launches heavier, better-armed aircraft than ski-jump carriers and supports early-warning and electronic-warfare planes.
How does it compare with China's other carriers?
The Liaoning and Shandong use ski-jumps; the Fujian uses a catapult and is larger, at about 80,000 tonnes.
How is India responding?
India operates INS Vikrant and is planning a second indigenous carrier, INS Vishal.
What is the Quad doing?
Deepening maritime surveillance cooperation, including satellite-based ship tracking.
Sources
- People's Liberation Army Navy announcements
- US Indo-Pacific Command statement
- Regional defence ministry briefings