\n<\/p>\n
China’s most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, has entered service days after a grand commissioning ceremony overseen by Chinese leader Xi Jinping, state media said. <\/p>\n
The Fujian, the country’s third warship, is equipped with electromagnetic catapults which will allow planes to be launched at higher speeds.<\/p>\n
Its launch marked a significant step forward for Beijing, which now has the world’s largest navy in terms of sheer number of ships. <\/p>\n
China has been expanding its navy at breakneck speed under Xi, putting pressure on the United States and its allies to keep up.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The Fujian can launch three different types of aircraft with its electromagnetic catapult and flat flight deck, according to state media. <\/p>\n
The domestically-built vessel can carry planes with heavier weapons and fuel loads so they can strike enemy targets from a greater distance, making it more powerful than China’s first two carriers, the Liaoning and the Shandong – both built by the Russians.<\/p>\n
State media hailed the Fujian as a “major milestone” in the development of China’s navy.<\/p>\n
The US is the only other country in the world to have an aircraft carrier with the same electromagnetic catapult system as Fujian.<\/p>\n
The Fujian’s commissioning ceremony was held in southern Hainan province on Wednesday, during which Xi toured the ship’s deck to hear more details about its performance at sea.<\/p>\n
State media claimed Xi had personally made the decision to adopt electromagnetic catapult technology. <\/p>\n
The reports also said Xi spoke to sailors who lined up along the flight deck and dock, saluting and shouting in unison: “Follow the party’s command, fight to win, and uphold fine conduct!”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n