China’s military modernization program takes a significant step forward with the recent launch of its newest aircraft carrier. While President Xi Jinping oversaw the commissioning and flag presentation of the Fujian in Hainan province this week, security experts and diplomats in the region caution that there are considerable hurdles to overcome before the carrier can become fully operational.
The Fujian, China’s third aircraft carrier, features a flat flight deck and electromagnetic catapults for take-offs, positioning it as a potentially more formidable naval asset compared to the country’s initial two carriers, which were of Russian design. President Xi Jinping personally boarded the vessel for an inspection tour following the official ceremony, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.