The Fujian is considered a symbol of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s overhaul and rapid expansion of China’s military.
Published On 7 Nov 2025
China’s latest aircraft carrier has officially entered service after extensive sea trials, according to Chinese state media, with experts saying the ship will help the world’s largest navy expand Beijing’s sphere of influence farther beyond its own waters.
President Xi Jinping boarded the carrier Fujian – named after the Chinese province facing Taiwan – for an inspection tour in the city of Sanya in southern Hainan province on Wednesday, state news agency Xinhua reported on Friday.
Recommended Stories
list of 3 items
- list 1 of 3China’s emissions to peak later than previously forecast, experts say
- list 2 of 3North Korea accuses US of ‘wicked’ hostility over cybercrime sanctions
- list 3 of 3Why is Trump hosting Central Asia leaders; are Russia, China his targets?
end of list
More than 2,000 representatives from China’s navy and aircraft carrier construction units attended the commissioning and flag-presenting ceremony, according to state media.
The Fujian is China’s third aircraft carrier, but its first indigenously designed and built model.
The vessel looks set to be a far more effective naval weapon than China’s first two Russian-designed carriers, Liaoning and Shandong, which are smaller and rely on ramps to launch aircraft.
With a flat flight deck and electromagnetic catapults for take-offs – only found elsewhere on the latest United States Navy Ford-class carriers – the Fujian will be able to carry significantly more and heavier-armed jet fighters.
During the Fujian’s sea trials, the Chinese n