China has commissioned the Fujian, its third aircraft carrier and the first designed and built domestically, state media reported. The ship was formally commissioned at a Hainan naval base in a ceremony attended by Xi Jinping after extensive sea trials. Analysts call the Fujian a clear symbol of Beijing’s push to modernize its armed forces by 2035 and build a 'world-class' navy by mid-century, a move widely seen as aimed at expanding China’s ability to project power beyond its coast.
China Commissions Fujian, First Home‑Built Aircraft Carrier, Signaling Far‑Sea Naval Ambitions
China has commissioned the Fujian, its third aircraft carrier and the first designed and built domestically, state media reported. The ship was formally commissioned at a Hainan naval base in a ceremony attended by Xi Jinping after extensive sea trials. Analysts call the Fujian a clear symbol of Beijing’s push to modernize its armed forces by 2035 and build a 'world-class' navy by mid-century, a move widely seen as aimed at expanding China’s ability to project power beyond its coast.
10:21, 08.11.2025Security
China commissions the Fujian carrier as it pushes for greater naval reach
China has officially commissioned its newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, following months of extensive sea trials, state media reported. The ceremony took place Wednesday at a naval base on Hainan island and was attended by top leader Xi Jinping, according to the official Xinhua news agency.
The Fujian is China’s third carrier and the first one both designed and built domestically. Analysts say the ship is a highly visible symbol of Beijing’s broader military modernization program, which aims to field a modernized force by 2035 and to develop a "world-class" navy by mid-century.
Experts view the Fujian as a platform that will enable China to project power farther from its shores and operate more effectively in distant waters.
While officials described the commissioning as a major achievement for China's shipbuilding and naval capabilities, observers note it also reflects rising strategic competition at sea—particularly with the United States—which remains the world’s most experienced carrier operator. The Fujian’s entry into service is likely to accelerate regional naval developments and prompt renewed international attention on maritime security and naval strategy.
What to watch next: how the Fujian integrates into China's fleet operations, the carrier’s deployment patterns, and any changes to training and logistics that signal sustained long-range operations.