China’s Fujian Aircraft Carrier: A Game-Changer in Naval Expansion and Power Projection

China’s third aircraft carrier, Fujian, recently embarked on its maiden trials, marking a significant milestone in the country’s naval expansion efforts to challenge the US global presence. Named after the Fujian province, the Fujian carrier is the largest and most advanced Chinese aircraft carrier ever constructed.

Departing from Shanghai’s Jiangnan Shipyard, the trials will primarily focus on testing the reliability and stability of the aircraft carrier’s propulsion and electrical systems, according to state news agency Xinhua. The trials are expected to last nearly two years before the carrier is officially inducted into service in another five years.

The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is currently the largest navy in the world, boasting over 370 battleships, surpassing the US, as reported by the US Department of Defense.

The Fujian carrier is anticipated to weigh 79,000 tons and will be equipped with the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), making it the first conventional-energy-powered platform to feature this advanced launch system. The EMALS system allows for smoother and more accurate launching of heavier fighter jets, providing a significant advantage over traditional launch systems.

China’s previous aircraft carriers, Liaoning and Shandong, utilize the ski-jump system for launching aircraft. The Fujian carrier’s EMALS system represents a leap forward in China’s naval capabilities, aligning it more closely with the US Navy’s advanced aircraft carrier technology.

China’s naval expansion efforts have been ongoing since the 1990s, with a shift towards a more robust naval presence to protect its national interests and secure vital sea lanes for global trade. The development of the Fujian carrier underscores China’s commitment to modernizing its naval forces and projecting power in the Indo-Pacific region.

In comparison, India is also making strides in its naval capabilities, with plans for a third indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vishal, in the works. The Indian Navy’s collaboration with the US, Australia, and Japan through the QUAD alliance aims to safeguard the Indo-Pacific region and ensure regional stability.

As China continues to enhance its naval capabilities with the introduction of the Fujian aircraft carrier, the geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region are likely to evolve, with implications for regional security and stability.